Gillingham v Doncaster - Match Preview - Written by Lewis Browning
Gillingham’s men face Doncaster Rovers in League One action this weekend with the hope of recording a 13th consecutive game unbeaten in League One to push closer to the much-desired play-off places.
Doncaster, though, have their own play-off ambitions. They currently sit eighth in League One and two points off Portsmouth in sixth, so there’s plenty of desire from Darren Moore’s men, too.
It’s a big one for both sides; here’s our preview of the matchup.
The Details
Gillingham v Doncaster Rovers
Priestfield Stadium
SkyBet League One
Saturday February 15, 3:00pm
Team News
Gillingham have no fresh injury concerns from Tuesday’s win at Blackpool. Midfielder Stuart O’Keefe was introduced at half time in the game, and he is set to start after beginning on the bench in the last two games due to injury.
The Gills could still be without Alfie Jones, however, as they have been in their previous two games. He is getting up to speed, however, and may yet feature. Oliver Lee has recovered from illness.
Mark Byrne is the only long-term injury absentee.
Regan Charles-Cook and Brandon Hanlan will both be pushing for starts after the duo netted in Tuesday’s victory at Blackpool.
Doncaster will be missing full back Reece James after the 26-year-old was stretchered off during Tuesday’s win against Bolton. He has a shin injury, and spent two nights in hospital during the week. Cameron John is likely to replace him, and the rest of the XI should remain unchanged from Tuesday.
What The Managers Said
Gillingham manager Steve Evans: “Every game now gets bigger and bigger. Doncaster are a good side with a good manager; it will be a tough test, but we need to deal with it. They will be stronger than they were in the cup - we will need to be at our very best.
“We have drawn too many games but everyone has to play each other and they can’t all win. This spell is particularly tough for us, so we need to attack teams and take risks to win. The dressing room is capable of anything they want to achieve. I fully believe in all of them.
“The fans have been absolutely outstanding and we need them on Saturday.
Doncaster manager Darren Moore: “You’ve got a man there (Steve Evans) that’s amassed nearly 1,000 games -it’s imncredibly. I’ve worked under previous managers like that ans you take your hat off to them because the experience that they’ve got is invaluable.
“Steve has seen a number of games and understands all the types of games and credit to him. He’s shown consistency but has had success, too. He’s mounting another charge this season and you wouldn’t go against him.
“For us, we’re going to have to be at our real best on Saturday because there’s an experienced manager who’s got an experienced team that are playing to their strengths at the moment.”
Form
Gillingham are still on the longest unbeaten run in the Football League with no defeats in their last 12; their run, in the top four divisions, is only bettered than Premier League leaders Liverpool.
They were victorious last time out against Blackpool to secure just their second away win of the season. Brandon Hanlan’s 95th minute winner sent the Gills into jubilation, and they will be hoping they can take that momentum into Saturday.
Doncaster are in good form themselves, and have just one defeat in their last six League One games. They were victorious over Bolton on Tuesday night, winning 2-1, after a draw at home to Rochdale last weekend.
Previous Meetings
The spoils were shared in the reverse fixture, which took place at the Keepmoat on the opening day of the season. Gillingham went ahead thanks to a goal from Alex Jakubiak, but Kieran Sadlier’s effort pegged them back just before half time, and the game finished with one goal apiece.
The two sides also met in the second round of the FA Cup at Priestfield back in December. The Gills dominated, winning 3-0 after Mark Byrne, Oliver Lee, and Brandon Hanlan netted. Admittedly, Doncaster didn’t field their strongest 11, but the result from that day will still give Gillingham confidence.
In last season’s equivalent of Saturday’s fixture, Doncaster ran riot as they left Priestfield with a 3-1 win thanks to goals from ex-Gill John Marquis, Mallik Wilks, and Danny Andrew. Callum Reilly netted a late consolation for Gillingham, but Doncaster dominated proceedings and were well worth their win.
Altogether, the teams have met 65 times in the past. Gillingham are well in front in terms of victories with 33 to their visitors’ 19. There have also been 13 draws.
Officials
Referee: John Smith
Assistants: Marc Wilson and Ryan Whitaker
Fourth official: Garry Maskell
Every game is important for Gillingham at this stage if they want to keep up with the pack in the race for the play-offs. Saturday will be tough, but let’s hope the team can get the job done and keep their unbeaten streak alive.
Gillingham’s men face Doncaster Rovers in League One action this weekend with the hope of recording a 13th consecutive game unbeaten in League One to push closer to the much-desired play-off places.
Doncaster, though, have their own play-off ambitions. They currently sit eighth in League One and two points off Portsmouth in sixth, so there’s plenty of desire from Darren Moore’s men, too.
It’s a big one for both sides; here’s our preview of the matchup.
The Details
Gillingham v Doncaster Rovers
Priestfield Stadium
SkyBet League One
Saturday February 15, 3:00pm
Team News
Gillingham have no fresh injury concerns from Tuesday’s win at Blackpool. Midfielder Stuart O’Keefe was introduced at half time in the game, and he is set to start after beginning on the bench in the last two games due to injury.
The Gills could still be without Alfie Jones, however, as they have been in their previous two games. He is getting up to speed, however, and may yet feature. Oliver Lee has recovered from illness.
Mark Byrne is the only long-term injury absentee.
Regan Charles-Cook and Brandon Hanlan will both be pushing for starts after the duo netted in Tuesday’s victory at Blackpool.
Doncaster will be missing full back Reece James after the 26-year-old was stretchered off during Tuesday’s win against Bolton. He has a shin injury, and spent two nights in hospital during the week. Cameron John is likely to replace him, and the rest of the XI should remain unchanged from Tuesday.
What The Managers Said
Gillingham manager Steve Evans: “Every game now gets bigger and bigger. Doncaster are a good side with a good manager; it will be a tough test, but we need to deal with it. They will be stronger than they were in the cup - we will need to be at our very best.
“We have drawn too many games but everyone has to play each other and they can’t all win. This spell is particularly tough for us, so we need to attack teams and take risks to win. The dressing room is capable of anything they want to achieve. I fully believe in all of them.
“The fans have been absolutely outstanding and we need them on Saturday.
Doncaster manager Darren Moore: “You’ve got a man there (Steve Evans) that’s amassed nearly 1,000 games -it’s imncredibly. I’ve worked under previous managers like that ans you take your hat off to them because the experience that they’ve got is invaluable.
“Steve has seen a number of games and understands all the types of games and credit to him. He’s shown consistency but has had success, too. He’s mounting another charge this season and you wouldn’t go against him.
“For us, we’re going to have to be at our real best on Saturday because there’s an experienced manager who’s got an experienced team that are playing to their strengths at the moment.”
Form
Gillingham are still on the longest unbeaten run in the Football League with no defeats in their last 12; their run, in the top four divisions, is only bettered than Premier League leaders Liverpool.
They were victorious last time out against Blackpool to secure just their second away win of the season. Brandon Hanlan’s 95th minute winner sent the Gills into jubilation, and they will be hoping they can take that momentum into Saturday.
Doncaster are in good form themselves, and have just one defeat in their last six League One games. They were victorious over Bolton on Tuesday night, winning 2-1, after a draw at home to Rochdale last weekend.
Previous Meetings
The spoils were shared in the reverse fixture, which took place at the Keepmoat on the opening day of the season. Gillingham went ahead thanks to a goal from Alex Jakubiak, but Kieran Sadlier’s effort pegged them back just before half time, and the game finished with one goal apiece.
The two sides also met in the second round of the FA Cup at Priestfield back in December. The Gills dominated, winning 3-0 after Mark Byrne, Oliver Lee, and Brandon Hanlan netted. Admittedly, Doncaster didn’t field their strongest 11, but the result from that day will still give Gillingham confidence.
In last season’s equivalent of Saturday’s fixture, Doncaster ran riot as they left Priestfield with a 3-1 win thanks to goals from ex-Gill John Marquis, Mallik Wilks, and Danny Andrew. Callum Reilly netted a late consolation for Gillingham, but Doncaster dominated proceedings and were well worth their win.
Altogether, the teams have met 65 times in the past. Gillingham are well in front in terms of victories with 33 to their visitors’ 19. There have also been 13 draws.
Officials
Referee: John Smith
Assistants: Marc Wilson and Ryan Whitaker
Fourth official: Garry Maskell
Every game is important for Gillingham at this stage if they want to keep up with the pack in the race for the play-offs. Saturday will be tough, but let’s hope the team can get the job done and keep their unbeaten streak alive.
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