We look ahead to Tuesday night's JPT encounter between Stevenage and Gillingham at the Lamex Stadium
STEVENAGE V GILLINGHAMJohnstone’s Paint Trophy First Round
Tuesday September 2
The Lamex Stadium
Kick-Off, 745pm
Team News:
Peter Taylor looks set to be without Doug Loft for the journey to Stevenage as the Gills Captain continues to recover from an Achilles problem.
Amine Linganzi (hamstring) won’t be in the reckoning until the visit of Peterborough at the earliest, while Matt Fish and Leon Legge will be looking to return to the match day squad.
As for Stevenage they may include former Gills duo Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale in their starting 11.
Manager Comments:
Peter Taylor said he will be treating the match as seriously as possible in full knowledge that a trip to Wembley is up for grabs if the club can progress in the competition.
Speaking after Saturday’s win over Crewe he said: “I think anybody wouldn’t mind getting to the final of the Johnstone’s Paint. It’s a lovely day out so in that respect most teams will take it seriously.
“We will take it seriously without a doubt – we know a couple of the lads there in Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale so it will be good to see them again, and knowing their Manager I’m sure he will be desperate to win that trophy so I’m sure they will be full strength.”
Previous Meetings:
The two teams last met at the Lamex Stadium in a league fixture last season where the hosts ran out 3-1 winners following an early sending off for on loan right back Elliott Hewitt.
Darius Charles bagged a brace with Francois Zoko getting the other goal as Stevenage did enough to clinch all three points. Cody McDonald got what proved to be a consolation for the Gills.
In total the clubs have only met on four occasions – Gills have won twice, Stevenage once, and the other game being a draw.
The reverse fixture last season produced an entertaining 3-2 win in Gillingham’s favour with Danny Kedwell, Donervon Daniels and John Mousinho grabbing the goals.
Betting:
Gillingham are priced at 17/10 to advance in normal time, whereas odds just to qualify to the next stage are 4/5.
For Gills to win by two clear goals you can get a price of 8/1, while a 3-1 away win would get you odds of 22/1.
For more odds across a variety of markets visit www.skybet.com/gillingham.
Officials:
Referee: Darren Deadman
Assistants – Antony Coggins & Robert Whitton
Fourth Official – Ian Cooper