Gillingham v Port Vale preview – back to League matters as Vale aim to pile pressure on off-form Gills

Attention turns back to the League as Darren Moore’s side take on a struggling Gillingham side. Here’s our preview…

The Vale perspective

Form

Still pretty good. There was no cup upset against Barnsley on Saturday but Vale had patches of good play. As far as the League goes, Vale are currently on a ten match unbeaten run and have won their last three away games all by the scoreline of 1-0.

Fitness

Manager Darren Moore admitted that regular central midfield duo Ben Garrity and Ryan Croasdale were both rested at the weekend as they are carrying knocks. Of the two, it appears that Garrity’s is the more serious. Sam Hart looks to have an outside chance of featuring in the squad but Vale are still missing Sam Hart, Kyle John, George Byers and Mitch Clark. On the positive side, Diamond Edwards was named on the subs bench on Saturday.

Team selection

There’s been lots of chopping and changing in recent games but it looks like Moore will try and pick a full strength side for this game. That should mean Jayden Stockley starting upfront. If either of Garrity or Croasdale don’t make it then Moore can call on Tom Sang, Jason Lowe or recent signing Rakeem Harper.

Viewing guide

This game has not been selected for broadcast by Sky+ so will not be available for viewers in the UK. Vale fans based abroad can watch the game through the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

38 year-old Mark Bonner rose to prominence with a spell at Cambridge United where he won promotion in 2021. After taking the club into League One he was sacked in September 2023. He was appointed Gillingham boss in the summer and currently has a record of six wins from 18 games in charge.

Form

Poor. Gillingham’s last win in the League was back in September and they have lost six of their last seven League and Cup games. They lost at home to Blackpool 0-2 in the FA Cup and lost their last home League game to Newport County by the same scoreline.

Squad and signings

One of the headline-grabbing moves of the summer was return of former player Bradley Dack on a free transfer. Dack, now 30, previously spent five years with the Gills. Other signings include former Charlton midfielder Euan Williams, Crewe striker Elliott Nevitt, AFC Wimbledon midfielder Armani Little, Accrington winger Jack Nolan and former Huddersfield Town winger Aaron Rowe. Loan additions include Fulham keeper Luca Ashby-Hammond and Peterborough forward Jacob Wakeling.

Connections

Vintage connections

As there are no current players who have played for both sides, here are some of the players to have played for both in recent years.

• Defender Leon Legge had spells with both sides
• Striker Ben Williamson moved to Gillingham after leaving the Valiants
• Striker Gary Mulligan had loan spells with both clubs plus a permanent spell with the Gills
• Defender Gary West was signed from Gillingham in 1989 and helped Vale secure promotion
• Former club captain Doug Loft moved to the Gills from the Valiants

Featured connection

Striker Basil Hayward earned his place in the Vale history books as the leading scorer of the legendary Iron Curtain side. The 1953-54 team broke numerous League and club records as well as reaching the FA Cup semi-finals. After twelve years playing for Vale, Hayward had a spell with Yeovil Town before entering management with Gillingham. He was in charge for five years winning 91 of 285 games in charge. Basil sadly passed away in 1989 aged just 61 years of age.

For more on the legendary Iron Curtain side please click here

History

Last time we met

Defender Remie Streete put the Valiants ahead as they drew 1-1 at Priestfield back in 2017. However, there was late heartache for the Vale as they conceded a 90th minute equaliser to only take a point back to Burslem. Current defender Nathan Smith also played that game.

Fixture history

The two sides first met in 1950 at Priestfield when it finished in a honourable 1-1 draw. Unusually, Vale had been placed in Division Three South that season. Sydney Peppitt was the scorer of Vale’s first goal against the Gills. In the return fixture, Vale obtained a dramatic 4-3 win at Vale Park thanks to goals from Walter Aveyard (2, pictured), Ken Griffiths and Len Barber. The Valiants have a good recent record at Priestfield being unbeaten in their last three visits.

Memorable match

In the 1962-63 season, Vale got through to the fourth round of the FA Cup. On the way they defeated Gillingham 4-2 in the third round. Played in front of 6,713 at Priestfield, the Vale scorers that day were Stan Steele (pictured), Stan Edwards, Peter Ford and Colin Grainger with a penalty. Vale would lose to First Division Sheff Utd in the next round.

Brief history

The club was founded in 1893 as New Brompton Football Club and renamed to Gillingham FC in 1912. They initially joined the Football League in 1920 but were voted out in favour of Ipswich Town in 1938. The club was voted back into the League in 1950. The club has won promotion five times and their highest League position is eleventh in the Championship in 2003.

Opinion and quiz

Discuss the game

Want to discuss things before, during and after the game? Our forum’s dedicated match thread is the place to be. Share your views with fellow fans…

Gillingham v Port Vale match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Mark Bonner
2. Gillingham 1-1 Port Vale
3. 1893

The tough one: 149

How do you think the match will go for the Valiants? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.