npower League Two: Gillingham v Rochdale
Priestfield, Saturday 29th September, 3pm kick-off
Rochdale are back on the road this weekend with a trip to high flying Gillingham.
League leaders Gillingham are yet to be beaten this season and have dropped just two points this campaign. Seven wins and draw (which came against Chesterfield) sees them sit top of the division on 22 points.
The Gills’ 2-0 victory over fellow promotion chasing Port Vale last Saturday has seen them open up a six point gap at the top of the table.
The Rochdale first team squad set off on the near 260 mile trip this morning in preparation for Saturday’s encounter and head into the match following victories in their last two away outings. The 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon and the 3-2 victory Rotherham United earlier this month gave Dale their first back to back wins since September last year.
Manager John Coleman will be without the suspended Kevin McIntyre for the trip to Kent after the defender was unsuccessful in his appeal against the red carded he received in Saturday’s home match against Dagenham and Redbridge. The long term injured trio of Matty Edwards (wrist), Reece Gray (ankle) and Luke Watson (knee) remain sidelined, as well as skipper Peter Cavanagh who is out due to a calf problem.
Coleman’s counterpart, Martin Allen, is said to be without the injured Charlie Lee for the fixture however Myles Weston could return for the match.
Match officials
Referee – David Phillips
Assistant referees – Constantine Hatzidakis and John Hopkins
Fourth official – Adam Crysell
Last meetings at Priestfield
Rochdale’s last encounters against Gillingham on their home turf came during the 2008/09 season.
November 25th 2008: Gillingham 1-1
The two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw when the two teams met at Priestfield in November 2008. Simeon Jackson netted for the Gills before Adam Le Fondre pulled the game level for Dale.
May 10th 2009: Second leg of the play-off semi finals – Gillingham 2-1 Rochdale
The teams met in the second leg of the play off final semi finals in May 2009. Simeone Jackson put the Gills ahead before Chris Dagnall levelled the score. Jackson however netted his second of the game on 58 minutes to seal the win. The first leg had finished in a goalless draw at Spotland.