Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Doncaster Rovers

19th October

Gills boss hoping a couple of players shake off minor knocks as Doncaster prepare to visit ME7.

Gillingham v Doncaster Rovers

Sky Bet League One

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Tuesday October 19^th

Kick-Off, 7.45pm

Team News:

Gills will be without David Tutonda and Alex MacDonald as they continue to recover from their injuries. Daniel Phillips will sit out for at least a few more weeks.

Ryan Jackson and Mustapha Carayol should be available, having returned against Sunderland at the weekend.

The game will come too soon for Doncaster’s Jon Taylor as he steps up his build-up of match fitness. However, he should be among the substitutes again.

Cameron John will remain unavailable due to a long-term back issue. Charlie Seaman and Dan Gardner both missed the loss to Wycombe, and are doubts for Tuesday’s fixture.

Manager Comments:

Steve Evans - "We need a similar performance [to Sunderland] tonight against Doncaster who will be as determined as we are to get maximum points to help kick start their league campaign.

"They are an excellent team with many good players."

Richie Wellens - “We’ve got ten or 12 games that are going to be cup finals now and we’ll see what the character is at the end of that.

“One thing I will never question is my own character and I’m starting to see signs that my players are growing in character as well."

Recent Form:

Gillingham- LLLLW

Gills lost to promotion-chasing Sunderland at the weekend. Danny Lloyd had initially put Steve Evans’ side in front as he scored from the penalty spot. However, Sunderland equalised right before half-time as Aiden O’Brien managed to find the back of the net from close range. Tom Flanagan put the visitors in front shortly after half-time with a header at the back post.

Elliot Embleton received his marching orders following a rash tackle on Jack Tucker, but Gills were unable to take advantage. Robbie McKenzie, Vadaine Oliver and Charlie Kelman all had chances to equalise. However, Gills could not find the elusive goal.

Doncaster Rovers- LWLLW

Donny were beaten by high flying Wycombe on Saturday. Anthony Stewart and Adebayo Akinfenwa put Wycombe 2-0 up inside 17 minutes, and Gareth Ainsworth’s side were able to close the game out. The defeat leaves Doncaster bottom of the League One table with seven points in their first 11 games.

Doncaster's last win was against MK Dons at the Keepmoat Stadium. Tommy Rowe had given them an early lead, but Peter Kioso equalised midway through the first half. Forward Tiago Cukur scored with just ten minutes remaining to ensure a huge three points.

Previous Meetings:

The last meeting between the two club’s came at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium in March earlier this year. It was a tale of a mad five minutes for both sides in the first half. Jordan Graham and Vadaine Oliver put Gills 2-0 up after just five minutes.

However, Doncaster were level after 23 minutes. Tom Anderson scored in the 19^th minute with a header, and James Coppinger brought the visitors back on level terms shortly afterwards as he managed to wrong foot Jack Bonham.

Gills beat Doncaster at Priestfield in September 2015 with the late Justin Edinburgh in charge. Jake Hessenthaler was the match-winner on the day as his striker from close-range was adjudged to have crossed the line.