by Luke Cawdell

Manager Andy Hessenthaler will take a patched-up Gillingham squad to Dagenham hoping that his side’s strong finish to the year will not be derailed.

The Gills travel to Victoria Road on Friday on the back of two wins with the possibility that up to a third of the first-team squad could be unavailable.

Hessenthaler, pictured, admitted: "As the game is on Friday that may hinder us a bit. Saturday would have given us that extra day. We will be ready, but it won’t be an easy game."

Matt Fish and Chris Whelpdale picked up injuries in the 2-1 win at Crawley on Boxing Day, meaning Hessenthaler's options are severely limited.

Last week he ended Luke Rooney’s exile, due in part to player shortages, but the forward will be missing through suspension after his red card at the Broadfield Stadium.

Charlie Lee is also banned, while Lewis Montrose and Andy Frampton are doubtful with ankle injuries. Danny Spiller, Barry Fuller and Adam Birchall are long-term absentees, while three youngsters are out on loan.

It could mean a return to the starting line-up for defender Simon King, who made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute at Crawley.