Gillingham’s League Two clash with table-toppers Walsall will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday after the visitors opted against postponing the fixture, despite being without six players due to international commitments.
Walsall had the option to call off the game after receiving multiple call-ups but have decided to make the trip to Priestfield Stadium, even though three of their regular starters will be missing.
Key absentees for Walsall
Among the players unavailable for the Saddlers is left-back Liam Gordon, who will be representing Guyana in their Gold Cup qualifying double-header against Guatemala. Defensive mainstay David Okagbue has been selected for the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 squad, while Ronan Maher and Darius Lipsiuc – both currently on loan – will also join the Irish youth setup.
First-choice goalkeeper Tommy Simkin, who has been a regular for Walsall this season, has received a call-up to England’s under-21 squad, while Ethan Wheatley, a Manchester United loanee, will link up with England’s under-19s.
Simpkin and Gordon The Biggest Losses
Gordon and Simpkin are the two Walsall will likely miss the most. Gordon made his first-team debut at 16 before joining Dagenham & Redbridge, where he signed his first professional contract in 2017. Loan spells at Whitehawk and Hendon followed before he debuted for Dagenham in April 2018. He later joined Bolton Wanderers in 2020 but returned to Dagenham on loan. After being released in 2022, he signed for Walsall, where he overcame a severe leg condition. In January 2024, he extended his contract until June 2025.
As for Simpkin, he progressed through Stoke City’s academy, signing a professional contract in April 2022. He had a brief loan at AFC Fylde in 2022 before signing a long-term deal with Stoke in 2023. He then joined Solihull Moors on a season-long loan, making 19 appearances before being recalled in November due to injuries. Simkin made his professional debut for Stoke on 9 December 2023 against Sheffield Wednesday. In January 2024, he joined Forest Green Rovers on loan but made just one appearance before returning to Stoke in February.
Walsall’s recent struggles
Despite sitting three points clear at the top of League Two, Walsall’s form has dipped in recent weeks. They arrive at Priestfield without a victory in their last five league matches and will be hoping to regain momentum despite their depleted squad.
Gillingham, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalise on Walsall’s absentees. The Gills recently secured a 1-1 draw at the Bescot Stadium, with Robbie McKenzie scoring the equaliser in a match that had been rescheduled from November due to international call-ups affecting Walsall.
Writer’s view
Walsall’s decision to play the fixture rather than postpone it is a bold one, particularly given their recent struggles. With several key players missing, this could be an opportunity for Gillingham to take advantage. The Saddlers will need to dig deep to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
