Gillingham reserves take on Brighton & Hove Albion’s second string in the Combination League at Priestfield on Wednesday afternoon.

Several first team players are likely to be in action, including Luke Rooney, Andrew White, Josh Gowling and Lance Cronin.

Gillingham’s last reserve outing was in mid-December when they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Aldershot. Season ticket holders are admitted to the match, which starts at 2pm, free of charge.

Tony Sinclair (pictured) was due to play but could be a doubt after aggravating an ankle injury. Fellow defender Simon King (hamstring) is also set to sit out this week’s fixture but could be involved next week when the reserves face Wycombe.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler has decided to pull the Gills out of the reserve league once this season has been completed, due in part to the dwindling numbers of competitors and because of the extra games which are played on the Priestfield pitch.

Hessenthaler will arrange friendlies himself against local side to give his fringe players valuable match practice. The Gills have already experimented successfully with the format this season, taking on the likes of Chartlon and Deal Town.

"It’s a finance we don’t need and I would like to make the squad slightly smaller next season," Hessenthaler said.

"I think it is nice if we can take a select XI to a non-league team and attract the fans because that is more money for the smaller clubs."

A Gillingham XI are due to face Canterbury City on Tuesday, April 12 at Herne Bay's Safety Net Stadium. The Gills are yet to confirm the fixture.

Do you think it is a good idea for the Gills to pull out of the reserve league?

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