Jepson: "Raise the roof again"
By Jack Nolan
March 9 2007
Gillingham manager Ronnie Jepson has called on the Priestfield faithful to once again raise the roof following Saturday's game against Blackpool produced one of the loudest games since Gillingham met Millwall at the Priestfield Stadium.
Gillingham Team News
On loan defender Ben Chorley will return to the squad to face Crewe Alexandra at The Priestfield Stadium on Saturday having served his one game suspension after seeing red against Scunthorpe.
Ronnie Jepson will have to do without defenders Duncan Jupp and Clint Easton who are close to a comeback.
Matt Jarvis missed Gillingham's draw with Blackpool last Saturday and is set to miss out once again as he is struggling with a leg injury.
Gills from: Larrieu, Southall, Sancho, Johnson, Jackman, Chorley, Cox, Howell, Jupp, Clohessy, Bentley, Flynn, Crofts, Spiller, Jarvis, Easton, Stone, Mulligan, McDonald, Pugh, Ndumbu-Nsungu, Collin.
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Crewe Alexandra Team News
Crewe will be missing their deadly strike partnership of Nicky Maynard and Luke Varney for the trip to Kent on Saturday. The duo have shared 30 goals between them so far this season but they are both ruled out with hamstring and a broken toe respectively.
Crewe's Welsh international David Vaughan is also ruled out of the game with a groin problem as is Jon Otsembor with a hamstring injury.
Crewe from: Ben Williams, Tomlinson, Owain fon Williams, Otsemobor, Baudet, Cox, Woodards, Moss, Bignot, Coo, O'Donnell, Jones, Roberts, O'Connor, Vaughan, Rox, Lowe, Carrington, Flynn, Higdon, Maynard, Bailey, Pope, Suhaj, Jack, Matthews.
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Views
Ronnie Jepson
"What Dario Gradi has done is fantastic at Crewe, the players he has produced there is unbelievable, and I know he is getting on a bit now - I hope he doesn't take that the wrong way - but he is out there 24 hours a day working with the kids down at the academy and he has a wonderful work ethic. What he has done for Crewe Football Club is unbelievable, the players he has produced and the money he has generated for the club to build the academy, the training facilities up there are unbelievable, so I can't speak highly enough of the man.
"He is one of the manager's you look up to and respect, for the crowds Crewe get, how he has kept them in the League and the Championship for periods, especially with so many players coming and going. Maybe if he kept those players they could be in the Premier League with some of the players they have had. But you have to sell players I suppose to fund players wages and the training facilities, and it is just non stop, he just keeps producing them, it is quite unbelievable how he does it,
"The crowd was brilliant last Saturday and it was very noticeable, the lads commented on it after the game. They kept behind us from the first minute to the last. The Rainham End especially never stopped singing, It created a good atmosphere and it certainly gave the lads a boost. It has been a difficult season for them as well and I understand that, but I just want them to stick with us and see us through, and hopefully things will get better for them."
Dario Gradi
"I remember the home game very well. It was one of those games where the goals just kept flying in but we hung in there and managed to win it right at the death from a well worked free-kick.
"Gillingham scored two wonder goals that day and worked very hard and were enthusiastic. I don't expect anything less from a Ronnie Jepson side. They will always give their all and be energetic all over the pitch. We will have to match that and hope we have the match winners in our team.
"I know there were seven goals in the match earlier in the season but Gillingham are a difficult side to beat. They are organised and provide a real threat from set-pieces. Ronnie has got them playing some decent football and we know it will be difficult.
"The team will travel down there today and will be well prepared and ready to play. They are always ready and willing to do their best for the club, themselves and the supporters. We have enough ability to create chances and hopefully we can take a few of them on the day and come away with something."
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Stats
Out of 36 previous meetings, The Railwaymen have the honours winning 17 encounters, whilst The Gills are six off with 11 victories. Seven have ended all square.
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Officials
Officiating Saturdays visit of Crewe Alexandra will be:
Referee: Ray Lee (Essex)
Assistant Referees: Steve Child (Kent) and Michael McCoy (Kent)
Fourth Official: Gary Evetts (Hertfordshire)
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GFC-Online Match Prediction
Gillingham are not in the best of form whilst Crewe have won their last four away games, but with Crewe's star players out I think a Gills win looks likely. 3.1
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ENJOY THE GAME!!