HUNDREDS of Gillingham supporters face the disappointment of being locked out of the club’s derby at newly-promoted Brighton & Hove on September 14.

Brighton's plan to increase the capacity at their cramped Withdean Stadium from 6,000 to 7,000 will come too late for Gillingham fans.

The team could have expected an above-average following for the match as many fans were looking to spend the weekend in the Sussex seaside town.

The Brighton ticket office has confirmed that the allocation for away fans on the day will be under 600. A spokesman said: “We are looking to increase our capacity by installing an extra 1,000 seats but work will not be completed until Christmas at the earliest.”

Fears that the away section at Leicester City’s new Walkers Stadium might not be complete in time for Gillingham's visit on August 31 have been dismissed by the club.

Gillingham will be the third club to visit the Walkers Stadium after Watford and Reading.

A Leicester spokesman confirmed: “Gillingham supporters will be accommodated in the North East corner of the stadium which has a capacity for 3,600 away fans. We expect all work to be ready for the start of the season.”

Gillingham's opening match of the season against Wimbledon now looks almost certain to be played at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park after chairman Charles Koppel admitted it was far from certain the club could relocate to Milton Keynes in time for August 10.