Gills Hope To Draw Big Guns As the Road To Wembley Continues

The long road to Wembley will continue on Saturday when Gillingham play host to Stockport County in the second round of the FA Cup.

The 1-1 draw with Rochdale on Tuesday meant Gillingham keep the title of 'Fortress Priestfield' intact, and also meant they've climbed one place up to ninth in the table.

The Gills have been impressive at home this season, having been unbeaten for eight games now. That's in the league however; in cup competition, things are rather different. Colchester United have single-handedly knocked Gillingham out of both the Carling Cup, and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, in the Gills' own back yard.

Apart from the league, the most prestigious cup competition in the world is all we have left to play for now.

For Stockport County, promoted to the Coca Cola League One via the playoffs, the FA Cup is all they have to play for as well. And they too will fancy their chances of making it to the next round.

There is no denying the Hatters do have a decent chance of making it to round three. They are a league above Gillingham, they're further up the table in their own league than what Gillingham are in theirs, and they have a fantastic away record.

Five wins, three draws, and only one defeat on their travels mean that Gillingham will have their work cut out if they are to maintain they're eight game unbeaten home record.

As it always is with cup games, the game on Saturday will most likely be a highly charged encounter, with both sides playing for the added incentive of playing one of the EPL's big guns in that magical third round.

Arsenal or Chelsea would be dream opponents for either team in the next round. And Gillingham or Stockport would indeed be dream opponents for Chelsea or Arsenal in the next round, as it would give the youngsters a chance, and make their own road to Wembley so much easier.

Team News

Gillingham

After the game against Rochdale, manager Mark Stimson was left with two injury concerns, as Garry Richards was taken off early in the second half after a kick in the knee, and Leigh Mills left the field after clashing heads with a Rochdale player.

Mills should be back in time for the game against Stockport, but Richards is a big doubt as he lacks match fitness.

Young forward Luis Cumbers is ruled out after sustaining a suspected fracture of his fibula last week against Bury. Dennis Oli still remains on the sidelines following his foot injury sustained in September.

Key midfielder Nicky Southall is ineligible for the Stockport as he is cup-tied, having represented Kent rivals Dover Athletic in the FA Cup qualifying rounds.

Andrew Barcham, who has extended his stay at the Gills for another month, is expected to return after missing the last two matches with concussion.

Stockport County

Stockport manager Jim Gannon will be boosted by the return of two of his key players, as Jimmy McNulty (hamstring) and Johnny Mullins (back) played midweek against Brighton and are now match fit.

On loan signings Craig Davies and Stephen Gleeson have both been given permission to play by Oldham Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.

Matchday Officials

Referee: Pat Miller

Assistant Referees: Michael George and Carl Berry

Fourth Official: Steve Creighton