Ady Pennock's men return to league action on Saturday.
DONCASTER ROVERS V GILLINGHAM
SKY BET LEAGUE 1
SATURDAY AUGUST 5
THE KEEPMOAT STADIUM
KICK-OFF, 3PM
Team News:
Alex Lacey (knee) and Aaron Morris (knee) are both definite absentees for the club’s opening game of the new season.
Conor Wilkinson (ankle) trained during the week and will travel with the squad but it is unknown whether he is in contention to start.
Otherwise Ady Pennock has a fully fit squad to choose from.
As for Doncaster they will be without Alex Kiwomya (calf) and Ross Etheridge (ankle). New signings Ben Khemis and Rodney Kongolo could make their debuts with other new recruits Niall Mason, Ben Whiteman and Danny Andrew also in the frame for a starting place.
Goalkeeper Ian Lawlor has picked up a knock but is expected to be fit.
Management Quotes:
Jamie Day – “Everyone is looking forward to the weekend; we’ve played well in pre-season and the players have adapted to the change of programme.
“Any team that gets promoted will have momentum going into the new season; it will be tough and we need to be organised but we’ll go there trying to win the game.”
Darren Ferguson – “It’ll be important for us to keep the core of our team fit, we have to be consistent, that is the most important thing, whatever team I put out on a Saturday or a Tuesday, we will give teams a game.”
WATCH: Lee Martin’s pre-match press conference on iFollow.
We’ve met before…
The clubs last met on January 16 2016 where Rory Donnelly scored twice at the Keepmoat Stadium to give Gills a commanding lead, however the hosts pulled one back through Cameron Stewart before Andy Williams snatched a draw for Donny late on.
In total the clubs have met on 59 occasions – Gills have the better of the head to head statistics with 32 victories while Doncaster have only won 12 encounters. The Yorkshire club haven’t beaten the Gills since March 2008.
Tickets:
Fans can purchase on the day of the game from the Club Doncaster academy reception which is near the away turnstiles. All ticket information can be found below.
Officials:
Referee: Dean Whitestone
Assistants: Darren Strain and Declan Ford
Fourth Official: Ryan Johnson
WATCH: JAMIE DAY'S PRE-MATCH PRESS INTERVIEW
SAT NAV: DN4 5JW
The club is working on a new `live blog` service. However until this is fully operational supporters can follow live updates @TheGillsFC.