Stevenage begin 2014 by taking on Peter Taylor's Gillingham at the Lamex...
Gillingham
Sky Bet League 1
Wednesday 1st January
The Lamex Stadium, Stevenage, SG2 8RH
Kick-off: 3pm
Weather forecast: 9°c, Wet and Windy
Referee: Andy D’Urso
Last time we met:
Just over a month ago Boro lost 3-2 in a crazy game at Gillingham. During a tight first half Simon Heslop gave Stevenage the lead with a brilliant strike from outside the box which gave Boro the lead at half-time. Gillingham came out of the blocks on fire and quickly turned the game around after goals from Daniels and Kedwell early in the second half put the home team ahead. Zoko made it 2-2 on 59 minutes but former Boro favourite, John Mousinho nodded Gillingham in front with 76 minutes gone, making the final score 3-2.
Team news:
Peter Hartley has a good chance of making his return to the team after injuring his hamstring which has left him out of the last four games.
Gillingham have a number of players who are touch ‘n’ go ahead of the game – Danny Hollands and Chris Whelpdale are neither 100% but have a chance. Amene Linganzi is a doubt after a hamstring problem and Danny Kedwell has delayed a hernia operation until Thursday so should feature. Bayo Akinfenwa sat out their last game but will probably make the team.
View from the dressing room:
Betting:
.23/20 with Sky BetBoro are favourites to get the win, but you can still get just over double your money if you put your money where your heart is –
.15/2 whilst 2-1 is 9/1, 2-0 is 8/1If you’re looking for a correct score bet, 1-0 to the Boro is
respectively.6/1 and 5/1For first goalscorer bets, Zoko and Akins are the two favourites –
The Gillingham scout report
Recent form:
Gillingham have pulled away from the relegation zone since the two sides last met in November, although recent results still suggest that the team have a lot of improving to do. 8 points in their last 8 games has been enough to move 7 points clear of Boro, although a Stevenage win will make the bottom of the table a lot more condensed. Gillingham have had last-minute drama in each of their last two games - they conceded a last-minute winner to Leyton Orient on Boxing Day and scored a last-minute equaliser a few days ago at home to Walsall.
Key man:
Home town hero, Danny Kedwell leads the Gillingham scoring charts with 10 goals this season. After a long and varied career in non-league, the striker signed for Gillingham in 2011 and hasn't looked back since. Last season he finished as top scorer for the club and was invaluable as Gillingham won the league two title. Last time we met he had a fascinating battle up against Jon Ashton so it will be interesting to see how the two face off in the new year.