Jepson: we must make immediate impact
Published: 00:00, 04 December 2006
Updated: 16:02, 04 December 2006
Port Vale v Gillingham
GILLINGHAM travel to Port Vale tonight hoping to bury the memories of Sunday’s defensive shocker.
The Gills handed Bristol City a three-goal head start by half-time in the FA Cup second round, which left manager Ronnie Jepson fuming at his backline.
Alan Pouton and Ian Cox missed the trip with flu and may be struggling, although on-loan Ben Chorley will make a welcome return to the defence having sat out Sunday’s game after MK Dons refused him permission to play.
Jepson will also be relieved to have Kelvin Jack available for selection after the keeper took a blow to the head, which led to a six-minute stoppage and nearly saw him replaced in goal by midfielder Mark Bentley.
Vale suffered FA Cup elimination in embarrassing style, losing 4-0 away to League 2 side Hereford, and will be keen a make amends.
Jepson said: "It’s a big three points for Port Vale and ourselves. I need to get the side to start a little better than we did against Bristol City."
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Luke Cawdell