Gills in search of home comfort
Published: 00:00, 01 September 2006
Gillingham v Scunthorpe
GILLINGHAM go in search of a return to form on home soil tonight as Scunthorpe make the trip to Priestfield.
The Gills haven’t won since the opening day of the season and manager Ronnie Jepson will be determined to get their campaign back on track.
Last weekend’s draw at Blackpool was the first point in four league games and Jepson is keen for a big improvement on the club’s last showing in front of the home fans.
Scunthorpe have also struggled to get going so far this season and Jepson sees
comparisons in the sides.
"They’ve done similar to us," he aid. "We’ve been playing decent stuff like them and not got results, except the Northampton game where we were poor.
"They’ve not had the rub of the green but have added to their squad, brought a new striker in and another kid, so we might change a few things around."
Despite permanent transfers for contracted players now ruled out until the transfer window re-opens on January 1, the loan market remains an option for Jepson and he’ll continue his pursuit for new blood.
He said: "I’m sure we’ll get more progress on that now the window has been closed with players that aren’t featuring for their respective clubs.
"Clubs will maybe look to get one or two of their lads out on loan. At this moment, with our financial predicament, that’s the way we’re looking at it."
Gills will have to
make do without Andrew Crofts for the Scunthorpe clash as he is away on international duty with Wales. The midfielder is aiming to win his fourth senior cap, as Wales face the Czech Republic in a Euro 2008 qualifier.
That could give Clint Easton a chance in the side as he looks to make his first league
appearance since signing from Wycombe in the summer.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph had been on standby for the Irish under-21s’ match against Germany tonight but wasn’t required, which means he is likely to start again.
Trinidad and Tobago keeper Kelvin Jack, meanwhile, is regaining his fitness after a knee injury.
Mark Bentley, who missed the trip to Blackpool with an ankle injury, and Dean McDonald, who picked up a similar injury in training, were both undergoing fitness tests today.
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Luke Cawdell