Gillingham (H) Tuesday 11th Feb, 7.45pm

Match Centre 24/25
1

"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

9 Likes
2

Truly massive game in what as been a tremendous season up to yet. Nerves have kicked in lately and teams have seemed to have unlocked the magic formula how to beat us. We need to get back to what we do best. Structured, aggressive and get the press right. What we must have is a Plan B if things are not going to plan though. This is where Mat and the coaching staff will earn their money. Us as fans have to rally round the boys right now and cheer them at the top of our voices. By hook or by crook we must win this one.

2-1 saddlers

UTS

1 Like
3

I’ll be there on Tues, hoping we get the train moving forward again.
Of course we’re top of the tree, and a big scalp for every other team in the division, but that’s also the challenge for our players. Can we deal with the additional pressure? Yes, but level heads are called for. That includes all the coaches and backroom staff.
Fan’s are losing faith and we’re quick to get on player’s backs. We have some of the most loyal in the land, but we all need to stay positive.
Bumpy road - yes, sure to be, but can make the run in even more exciting! UTS.

4

No loss of faith here, backing the boys to win 2-0 here.

The big thing for this one is how well we back these magnificent boys.

6 Likes
5

Back on the horse !!! Going with a very solid performance and a 3:1 win… Harrison off the mark, Jellis and late Levi goal to ease a nervous finish. Hoping Williams shrugs off the tendinitis to take McCentee out of the staring 11, Weir in for Tayls.

1 Like
6

5-2.

2 Likes
7

No loss of faith here either. A narrow win 2-1 will do.

1 Like
8

We are going through an expected mean reversion. Still on the promo line.

1 Like
9

Time to Change things and let the players know underperform will be dropped even if they are the managers favourite

I’d go

Hornby
Adomah mcentee Williams weir Gordon
Jellis Ethan lakin
Matt Harrison

1 Like
10

Go into this positively, attacking, front foot, quick football. Gillingham are in a right rut and we need to capitalise on it. We couldn’t have asked for a better fixture.

17 Likes
11

I am usually one to see positives but I can only see another defeat. This does not feel like a blip but a bubble burst. Apart from the last 30 minutes against Salford, we have looked slow and out of confidence. Against Colchester, for the first time, we also lost our composure, with players retaliating and mouthing off at the referee. We are still in prime position but it looks as if all the good things we had are gone. On Saturday, we were back to the bad old days.

0-2.

3 Likes
12

4-0, as I probably won’t be able to make the game!:roll_eyes:

13

Adomah for Barrett is one I think he has to think about and possibly one of the new young lads in as a no 8 for Jellis / Lakin as Midfield just isn’t working atm

1 Like
14

I watched Gillingham lose 0-3 at home to Bromley and they were absolutely dire. Didnt create a decent chance in the 90 minutes, booed regularly during and at the end of the game

Bromley looked a class above. Reminded me so much of us losing to teams like Barrow over the last 6 years

The opponents couldn’t be any more perfect…we need a win and a confident performance

3 Likes
15

Gillingham were top at the end of September and are now 19th. Their form in the last four months has been atrocious. We ought to win this one. I know historically we have resurrected many a team when they are at the lowest of ebbs and there has been no run so bad that a visit to or from The Saddlers can’t change things for the better, but not this time.
A 1-0 win, DJ scoring in the 93rd minute, having been brought on in the 92nd minute.

2 Likes
16

We don’t have to win but we could really do with it. I’m more looking for a better performance, I thought the team that ended against Salford was looking like our old selves again. I knew it was never going to happen but I would have liked to have seen Levi and DJ up top, I thought they worked well together in the little time they had.

It’s a little ridiculous that Wheatley starts one game then can’t find himself in the 18 the game after. Another January, another gaping hole by a loanee leaving trying to be solved with a tombola selection of our strikers. Standard.

1 Like
17

Levi and DJ finished the game well v Salford.
They should have started v Colchester.

Barrett needs a rest. I’d bring in Adomah, with Weir filling in for Taylor Allen. I’d have Asiimwe on the bench, too, as cover for both flanks, both defensively and offensively.

The suspension might be a blessing in disguise, because Tayls needs a rest.

Harrison should start on Tuesday and Lakin should be encouraged to bomb on. I’d start with Josh (he’ll be fresh) alongside him, as an outlet down the channels, and bring on Matt/Wheatley after 55 minutes.

At home, we are better but our results on Tuesday nights aren’t great. It’s a must not lose, for me…

18

Well we’re having a wobble for sure, like most teams will, but we need to address this quickly. We have the same players that have taken us to where we currently are, they are good guys who want success for themselves and the club, we need to back them even more. We need to stop mini witch hunts regarding player’s performance, especially Jamie Jellis, the guy will give everything for this club, same goes for big Dave, Harry, even Lakin ,that all desperately want what we want, as do all the squad players, now isn’t the time to self doubt them, we will have plenty of time to do that at the season’s end when we know where we are. Hope MS has spoken to his mate Andy Whing the ex Solihull manager now at Barrow about Gillinghams performance yesterday, I agree it’s a good time to face them as they must be low on confidence as well as being on the road for two long away trips we need front foot football from the first whistle to show intent and get back our rhythm. As a side note I see our old mate Dack is playing for them, it would be great to send him and his mates packing with a smacked arse, I remember his swaggering nonchalant performance for the gills here a number of years ago, absolute tosser,I presume he won’t have changed much. I also echo what others have said, please MS no more Albert up top.

3 Likes
19

I agree with posters above saying that Barrett needs a rest. A few times now when caught out of position he just ambles back instead of sprinting back like his life depends on it.

He could have got back and possibly stopped a couple of goals recently that have come down his side.

Not sure if he is just knackered or carrying a knock but he is not playing at full pelt. Give Weir a game and lets tighten up at the back.

1 Like
20

No matter how well a team plays there will come a point where form dips and that’s exactly what is happening to us.
A good team doesn’t become a bad team overnight and we have to make sure we give the team our total support not just on Tuesday night but for every game until our aim is achieved.
It’s been horrible over the last four games watching a team that was taking the league by storm and now looks a shadow of itself.
Great runs of form come to an end as do poor ones.
I don’t give a toss if it’s bitterly cold on Tuesday or if I get soaked to the skin walking to the ground I’ll be there.
I had a horrible night and couldn’t sleep because of losing yesterday, it’s vile feeling like this and I’m terrified of us missing out this season so I know I have to be there for Walsall fc playing my small part.

3 Likes