Gillingham have been handed a tough start to the League 2 season after the fixtures were released on Thursday morning.

The Gills will visit much-fancied Stockport County on the opening day of the campaign, Saturday, August 5 before hosting relegated Accrington Stanley at Priestfield on August 12.

Three of the first four games are away from home with trips to Sutton United (Tuesday, August 15) and Crawley Town (Saturday, August 19) completing a tough fortnight for Neil Harris’ men.

Both matches against Stockport, who have been installed as second favourites to win the league behind Wrexham, ended in draws last season. Gillingham drew 0-0 at Stockport in early March before a 1-1 scoreline at Priestfield in mid-April.

There’s a midweek trip to Swindon Town on Tuesday, October 24 with the return fixture at Priestfield on Tuesday, February 13. Other midweek trips include Crewe Alexandra (Tuesday, October 3) and AFC Wimbledon (Tuesday, March 12).

Gillingham will play four games in 10 games over the festive period. It starts with a trip to Forest Green on Saturday, December 23 before home matches against Crawley Town on Boxing Day and Sutton United on Friday, December 29. The busy period is rounded off by a trip to Colchester United on New Year’s Day.

The Gills travel to League 2 favourites Wrexham on Saturday, November 11. The Welsh outfit, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, make the trip to Priestfield on Saturday, February 24.

Gillingham round off the season with a home game against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, April 27.

You can see the full fixture list for Gillingham here.