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CAPTAIN Paul Smith warned Gillingham’s players to expect a supreme test of their professionalism as they face playing in a near empty Selhurst Park against Wimbledon on Saturday.
With the Dons still awaiting their first season-ticket sale, more supporters will be outside the ground as they protest against the Dons’ proposed move to Milton Keynes.
Inside, players of both teams will be playing in a surreal atmosphere that none have experienced.
With the Premier League kicking off a week later, the match and accompanying protest has attracted enormous national interest. The Nationwide League are already expecting a record low attendance for the match.
Smith, who expressed sympathy for the Wimbledon supporters, confessed: “The lack of atmosphere will make it difficult.
“All of us are going to have to be very professional and focus entirely on our objective which is getting three points." Smith will be a part of a Gillingham midfield that includes player-manager Andy Hessenthaler and Simon Osborn with Mamady Sidibe and Guy Ipoua up front, possibly with Rod Wallace.