Exeter start September with a trip to the Priestfield Stadium to face Gillingham. The two clubs met last season in League 2, and the Gills returned to League 1 at the first attempt after overcoming Shrewsbury in May`s Playoff Final at Wembley. The Medway club made a fantastic start to the season after thrashing rivals Swindon 5-0 on the opening day. However, they lost their next three games, before securing a goalless draw at Walsall last weekend.
Exeter City will aim to get back on track after a 2-1 home defeat to Paul Ince`s MK Dons last weekend.
Vital Quotes:
Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has a striker selection dilemma, and told the Exeter Express and Echo that “it is great to have so much competition for places”.
With the arrival of Stuart Fleetwood and the return from injury of Adam Stansfield he admits it poses a “nice problem”.
Gillingham Team News:
Simon Lewis and Simon King both remain on the treatment table with ankle ligament injuries. Left back John Nutter is a doubt after missing Tuesday`s Johnstone`s Paint Trophy victory over Colchester.
Player to watch: Simeon Jackson
The pacy striker has already scored six goals this season and poses the Gills main goal threat.
Exeter City Team News:
Goalkeeper Paul Jones is ruled out, ending a run of 61 successive first team games. 39 year old Andy Marriott or new 18 year old Tottenham loan signing Oscar Jansson will deputise.
Manager Paul Tisdale has numerous striking options. New signing Stuart Fleetwood is set to feature after arriving on a season long loan from Charlton Athletic. Adam Stansfield will also be in contention after recovering from a pre-season injury, and Ben Watson may gain a place on the bench after scoring twice for the reserves in Tuesday`s 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle.
Player to watch: Stuart Fleetwood
Fleetwood will be keen to hit the ground running on his Exeter City return
Match Facts & Stats
This is the 99th meeting between the two sides. Exeter have 37 wins to Gillingham’s 33, with 28 draws.
Last Meeting
24/01/09: Coca Cola League 2
Gillingham 1 Exeter City 0
Adam Miller scored ten minutes from time at the Priestfield to secure a narrow win for the Gills.
Ref Watch:
Referee: Simon Hooper;
Assistants: Elliot Kaye & Steve Rubery;
4th Official: David Margetts
Match Prediction:
Gillingham 1 Exeter City 1
Next Fixtures:
Leyton Orient v Exeter City : 12/10/09
Gillingham v Milwall : 12/10/09
home win for me – folks!