Gillingham are sweating on the fitness of key trio Jonny Williams, Ethan Coleman and Connor Mahoney ahead of this weekend’s League Two clash with Barrow.
The Gills produced a shock on Saturday when they progressed to the FA Cup third round with a 2-0 win over League One promotion-hopefuls Charlton Athletic at the Priestfield Stadium, setting up a clash with Premier League outfit Sheffield United.
First half goals from Macauley Bonne and Timothee Dieng sealed the victory, but the home side were forced into two changes before the start of the second half when Ethan Coleman was withdrawn with just over 10 minutes of the opening period remaining whilst a facial injury to Jonny Williams forced the midfielder off at the break.
Fortunately for Stephen Clemence, the changes had no effect on the final result and Gillingham progressed with ease against a lacklustre Charlton side.
All focus will now be on a return to league action and the long trip to Barrow this weekend. The Kent-based side currently occupy the final play-off spot in League Two and they will be looking to cement that position on Saturday. Swindon Town’s recent form means that Clemence’s side will be looking over their shoulders and the manager will be hoping that he can call upon the duo at Holker Street.
Via Kent Online, the 45-year-old said: “Jonny got a whack in the face and we couldn’t stop the bleeding. He wanted to carry on but the bleeding wouldn’t stop. He had had some stitches.
“We will have to assess Ethan and it is never easy when you lose two midfield players in the first half of the game, to still go on and win that game and keep another clean sheet at home, I was really happy.”
Attacker Connor Mahoney missed the FA Cup clash after struggling with an injury in the win over AFC Wimbledon last week, with the boss claiming the Huddersfield Town loanee should be fit to return this weekend:
“Conor did well to play the last game against Wimbledon, he had a problem after the previous game and it was still not quite right.
“I am sure he will be fine for (Barrow on Saturday) but I felt it was best to leave him out and make sure he doesn’t injure himself where we lose him for a longer period of time.”
The 26-year-old has enjoyed an excellent spell at Gillingham since joining on a season-long deal in August, contributing to eight goals in 19 appearances to date. His return against the most in-form team in division will be a huge boost for Clemence, although he will be hoping that both Williams and Coleman all recover to make the trip.
Writer’s View
Gillingham’s FA Cup exploits have provided a welcome break to their league campaign, where they have had to endure an uncertain few months following the departure of manager Neil Harris in October, plus an array of injuries to first team stars. The arrival of Stephen Clemence last month has coincided with a return to fitness of many of these players, with overall form improving since.
Barrow represents a stern test though, with the Cumbrian’s having won their last five league fixtures. However, they did suffer a shock defeat in the FA Cup on Saturday against non-league Maidstone United and manager Pete Wild will be looking for a reaction from his players at the weekend.
Head of Writing
