GILLINGHAM V PORT VALE: MATCH PREVIEW

Sky Bet League One 

MEMS Priestfield Stadium 

Saturday, February 11

3pm kick-off 

Referee: Nicholas Kinseley

Assistants: Michael Webb and Joe Simpson

Fourth Official: Ashvin Degnarain

Ady Pennock’s second home game in charge of the Gills comes against Port Vale on Saturday in Sky Bet League One. Tickets are still available for this MEMS Priestfield Stadium clash, which is also our fourth Category B fixture of the season. Fans can buy theirs online now by clicking here.  

Josh Parker, Bradley Garmston and Lee Martin all played 90 minutes in the 3-1 friendly victory against Patro Eisden on Tuesday, however Pennock confirmed that the club are awaiting international clearance on January signing Parker.

There are no fresh injury concerns going into the Vale clash, with those that took part in the midweek friendly coming out unscathed from a physical match.

Winger Scott Wagstaff has started every game under Pennock, and believes the club are going in the right direction under the new management team.

"It's been a tough start to the season, but things are looking more positive and we have to start kicking on and getting results now," said Wagstaff. "The team spirit has been excellent and we have to make sure that we keep it up. 

"It [the training] has been really good and different to what we had before, but it has been enjoyable a ll the same. The lads have definitely bought into it, and I think the results will start to show."

Michael Brown's team sit in 19th position in the Sky Bet League One table, just one point behind Gillingham; a win for Vale on Saturday would see them move above the Gills.

The visitors have won just once in their last nine games, that coming against the Gills' midweek opponents Chesterfield, on December 30.

Sam Foley is set to start for the away side after making his comeback from an ankle injury in last weeks' 3-0 loss to Peterborough United. 

Vale have won only two league games since he was ruled out back in October, and Brown believes he will have an important part to play in the end of season run-in.

"To put a performance in like he did [against Peterborough], with the energy he showed after being out [proves] why we have been sadly missing Sam. He is a great professional and it was good performance from him," said Vale's caretaker manager.

The two sides last met in September when the Gills were defeated 2-1 at Vale Park. 

Josh Wright opened the scoring in the first half, before Remie Streete and Alex Jones secured three points for the home side with two late goals.