BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Key Gills men miss Iron test through suspension
September 26, 2017 February 11, 2019 by Ross William Gibson, posted in Uncategorized
The Iron make the long journey down to Kent today to face Gillingham, a day after the Gills sacked head coach Ady Pennock.
The Gills have endured a torid start to their League One campaign, and only Plymouth and Oldham lie below them in the table, which led to Pennock's departure.
Paul Scally, Gillingham's owner, announced that the club's Director of footbal – Peter Taylor – would take over as caretaker manager in the interim.
Tom Eaves was sent off for the Gills in Saturday's 3-0 loss to Rochdale at Spotland, and will miss tonight's game.
Eaves has scored four of his side's six League One goals so far this season, including a hat trick against Southend on August 26.
With that said, his absence tonight should hopefully prove to be a huge bonus for Graham Alexander's men.
Also missing through suspension is club captain, Lee Martin, who was sent off following a scuffle at AFC Wimbledon earlier in the month – this being the final game of his three-match ban.
Irish striker Conor Wilkinson may miss the game, too, but the Gills are monitoring his fitness ahead of the game, and will try and give him every chance of playing.
For the Iron, Conor Townsend has been ruled out by Alexander, which means Lewis Butroid will almost certainly be afforded another chance to shine at left back, after an impressive full league debut on Saturday.
Townsend could, however, be available for Saturday's difficult trip to table-toppers Shrewsbury Town.
Andrew Crofts may be fit enough to make the bench again after his return from injury.
The Iron signed the midfielder on transfer deadline day, before he picked up an injury in training which has meant he has missed the last few weeks.
Luke Williams, Charlie Goode and Jonny Margetts will all continue to miss out, as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.
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