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Gillingham v Leeds United
Kick-off 3pm at Priestfield
By David Pritchard
Mark Stimson concedes it will be a surprise if his vulnerable Gillingham side beat Leeds United this afternoon but will accept no excuses as the battle for League One survival intensifies.
A big crowd is expected at Priestfield for the visit of Simon Grayson’s title hopefuls, who comfortably won the reverse fixture 4-1 in September.
The Gills have not lost at home to any of the top 10 this season, but their preparations have been disrupted by questions in central defence. With Garry Richards out for the season, Josh Gowling suspended and doubts over Darren Dennehy’s fitness, the hosts could face an in-form Leeds with inexperienced teenager Tom Wynter and Mark Bentley, a converted midfielder, as centre-backs.
Stimson said his team were likely to be open defensively, but pointed to struggling Leyton Orient’s win against leaders Norwich on Tuesday as the sort of result possible.
He said: “We’re facing a good side with some outstanding players, but on our day we have as well. Hopefully we turn up like we know we can, put a performance on and get one of those surprise results that’s coming out every week in this division. Although the home record is fantastic, to beat Leeds with the personnel we have available, I think it would be a surprise.
“[The injuries] make it more difficult but we’ve got to get over it. We’ve just got to stand up and be counted, go out there and try to play the ball in their half as much as possible with quality. We won’t use it [as an excuse]. People should know it will be much harder, but that’s life and we get on with it.”
Gillingham are pinning their hopes on Dennehy recovering sufficiently from a back injury to start. The 21-year-old, on loan from Cardiff, shocked coaching staff by starting Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton. He was withdrawn at half-time, but Stimson was optimistic on Thursday the Irishman could play this afternoon.
For his part Wynter, who replaced Dennehy in midweek, has no fear if selected this afternoon.
He said: “To be honest I know it’s Leeds but I just think of it as another game to get your head down, work hard and do the best you can. I know it’s a big game but it doesn’t play on my mind at all, it’s another game of football.”
Up front the Gills boss faces another important decision. Top scorer Simeon Jackson is fit enough to start after shaking off a dead leg, but Stimson hinted he could keep faith with Rene Howe and Dennis Oli, who caused Brighton problems.
The midweek draw edged the Gills three points clear of the relegation zone, but with Norwich and Southampton to come they can take nothing for granted.
For the latest team news, reports and reaction from the game, log on to www.kentnews.co.uk from 2pm.
POSTED: 17/04/2010 10:00:00