DARREN: FIRST GOAL IS KEY

Darren Hare says the Gills will go to Ashton Gate full of confidence as the club looks to overturn a 4-2 deficit in the JPT Area Final Second Leg

Darren Hare says the first goal at Ashton Gate will be crucial if Gillingham are to proceed to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final at Wembley.

The Gills are 4-2 behind going into the second leg after defeat at Priestfield, but Darren believes if the visitors can score first on the night then they could still cause an upset.

Speaking to the club website he said: “The crucial thing will be whoever scores the first goal. If we get through half an hour without conceding then there is every chance we can nick one, and if we do that it will change the whole mentality of the game.

“I know Steve Cotterill is keen to get to Wembley, as I’m sure his players are, so it will be a tough ask but the lads know what the prize is and I’m sure they will be giving everything to try to achieve that.

“We will go there full of belief and confidence knowing that we did hurt them at times during the game here.

“They are a very strong team, the strongest in the league I think but the players are excited by the challenge.”

As for team news, Darren revealed Danny Galbraith will travel for the game.

He added: “Danny Galbraith trained today and he came through OK so he’s traveling – I know he’s champing at the bit, he missed the development game on Monday and he’s been unlucky with a couple of knocks.

“He’s got a sore toe so we’ll be mindful of that but he’ll be with us. Amine Linganzi won’t be in the squad, he’s still a few days away from being asked to join in training properly but he’s close.”

Charlie Webster, following his fine performance against Tonbridge on Monday, has also been included in the squad.