George Lapslie is pushing for a starting place as Gills make the long trip north to take on Crewe in Cheshire.
Crewe Alexandra v Gillingham
The Mornflake Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
Tuesday 3rd October
Kick-Off, 19:45
Team News:
Dom Jefferies and George Lapslie are available for selection in Neil Harris’ squad to face Crewe, having both featured and gained minutes against Mansfield at Priestfield this past weekend.
Tim Dieng continues to work on his recovery from a knee injury, whilst Oli Hawkins also remains out with a heel problem. Lewis Walker is now unavailable to feature for the Gills, having joined National League side Woking on a short-term deal until January 2024.
As for Crewe, they have no fresh injury or suspension concerns. They are unbeaten in their last five outings.
Management Comments:
Kenny Lunt (Player Development Manager): “With Gillingham, we know we will have to earn the right to play, but we are capable of matching physical teams.
“They’ll know they are in for a tough game too because we are confident about playing at home.”
Neil Harris: “We’ve got five tough games coming up in the next 14 days. I think the team set the standard against Mansfield last weekend, not just with the point but the level of performance. We’ll need to take that to Crewe.
“The challenge to the players heading up to Crewe is our hosts' great unbeaten home record. I think it’s currently the longest in the division.
“It’s down to us to head up there and win a game of football. I’m expecting that level of performance set against Mansfield, coupled with an away day mentality of strength, character and personality.”
Previous Meeting:
The Railwaymen last came to Gillingham in March 2023 for a midweek evening game under the lights at Priestfield.
After a largely uneventful first half in which neither side had more than a chance of note, the game opened in the second period with the hosts and the visitors feeling the points were there for the taking on the night.
Tom Nichols put the Gills in front with 58 minutes gone.
Crewe left back, Rio Adebisi’s error in a dangerous position at the edge of the area, saw the defender pass the ball straight back to the feet of Alex MacDonald. Showing awareness of Tom Nichols' run at the far post, the pass across the box was tucked away by the on running forward to put Gillingham one up.
Crewe found a leveller shortly after, however.
In a spell of possession, the visitors probed for an opening in the Gillingham defence. After a blocked shot came rebounding out to an unmarked Callum Ainley, the forward showed great technique to get a shot on target, unleashing a strike which cut straight through a congested box and into the top corner on 62 minutes.
The Gills found a second on the 70-minute mark. A scuffed clearance from Luke Offord allowed Alex MacDonald to steal the ball and set up a quick attack. The ball finding its way to Tom Nichols, who played in Aiden O’Brien to get a shot on goal.
Crewe keeper, Dave Richards came to close it down, but was unsuccessful and could only watch as the shot bounced underneath him and into the net.
The hosts ramped up the pressure and continued to press for a third in the dying stages of the match. Oli Hawkins had the ball in the net again, getting a head on to a late cross to loop over the Crewe keeper.
The goal was ruled out however, the forward judged to have committed a foul in the build-up to the goal.
Head-to-Head:
Gillingham – 23
Draw – 9
Crewe Alexandra – 23
The Gills have met Crewe Alexandra on 55 occasions in the past, splitting the statistics straight down the middle. Gillingham have notched one more league win than this week’s opponent, though Crewe claimed a victory in the only FA Cup tie played between the two teams, way back in December 1935.
Nine draws have been played out between the clubs.
Ticket Information:
Gills fans can buy on the evening at the Mornflake Stadium from the away ticket office, situated next to the away turnstiles.
Cash and card are both accepted.
Prices can be found here.
Odds:
Crewe Win – 13/8
Draw – 23/10
Gillingham Win – 6/4
Special Bet: Macauley Bonne to score and Gillingham to win – 9/2
Match Officials:
Referee – Daniel Middleton
Assistants – Mark Cunliffe & Lisa Rashid
Fourth Official – Steve Durnall
Sat Nav: CW2 6EB