Gillingham v Nottingham Forest

GILLINGHAM do battle with Nottingham Forest once more tonight in the first round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Competition rules stipulate that sides must play a near full strength team, but Gillingham manager Ronnie Jepson has few options anyway.

He said: "I’ve only 18 players. We’ll assess it and see how the injuries are and go out on Tuesday and hopefully give another performance like that. The league is the number one priority but any cup competition you play you want to win."

One of those players Jepson will be assessing closely will be Ian Cox, who left the field with a groin strain on Saturday.

Teenager Luke Howell made his debut on Saturday and Jepson could choose to give the youngster extra experience against Forest.

Fellow youngster Frannie Collin will also be keen to get a look-in, while more experienced forwards Bas Savage and Dean McDonald will have an eye on the fixture in a bid to make their own impression.

Kick-off at Priestfield is at 7.45pm and should the tie finish level after 90 minutes it will immediately be decided on penalties.

Adult tickets are priced at £15 and senior citizens £10. Under-16s will be admitted free, alongside a paying adult.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Priestfield every Monday and Friday in the Medway Messenger.