"The Kentishmen will … rise
… for they are … full of spirit"
Shakespeare (William, not Craig)
It’s a big “IF”, but IF there had been any trace of complacency having won 9 games on the bounce and being 12 points clear at the top of the table, that has surely been dispelled by recent results. Our cushion has been cut by 50% to a mere 6 points, and Mat Sadler has the job of rallying his troops for the remainder of the season starting with the visit of a Gillingham side that are not in good form (putting it politely). They seemed to have a cracking start to this campaign, winning 6 out of their first 8 games, but it’s all gone a bit pear-shaped since then…
January 2nd Bromley (H) Lost 0-3
January 18th Doncaster Rovers (H) Lost 0-1
January 25th Tranmere Rovers (A) Drew 1-1
January 28th Grimsby Town (A) Drew 1-1
February 1st Notts County (H) Lost 1-2
February 8th Barrow (A) Lost 3-0
Players who have appeared for both clubs include Simeon Jackson, Howard Pritchard, Michael Flynn (Manager for us, Player for them), David Perpetuini, Darren Byfield, John Hodge, Tommy Watson and Emmanuel Osadebe.
When we enjoyed our 12 point lead there was no real need to worry about what the distant chasing pack were up to, but recent developments have led to a bit of “looking over the shoulder” and here there is some good news - while we entertain Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon are visited by Crewe Alexandra, and on Thursday Port Vale play Notts County. Fingers crossed for draws?
Mat Sadler’s selections for this game must exclude Taylor Allen following his two yellows dismissal at Colchester. Fortunately the squad’s depth means he should be able to compensate, and Gillingham’s lack of fire-power (they are scoring less than a goal per game) could allow us to achieve that current rarity - a clean sheet. But please … not Uncle Albert as a striker?
Prediction? We simply have to get back to winning ways, and this is the ideal match to do just that. A score of 2-0 shouldn’t be beyond our wildest dreams, with Wheatley and Harrison on target.
UTS