It’s all about the win for Gillingham on Saturday if they are to keep their very faint hopes of the League One play-offs alive.
With their fate seemingly now out of their own hands despite the 1-0 win at promotion chasing Peterborough United on Tuesday night, The Gills know nothing other than three points will do at Priestfield.
Even winning their final three games of the campaign might not be enough for Steve Evans’ side to make it into the top six, but they’ve shown in recent months that they will give it their all to at least see if they can be in the mix.
Striker Vadaine Oliver should be fit enough to face his former side after missing Tuesday night’s game through injury. The top scorer had a slight groin strain, but seems set to be back in the side for this must win game.
Manager Steve Evans has hinted that both Gerald Sithole and Harvey Lintott could be involved at the weekend after signing professional contracts this week, but will most likely have to settle for places on the bench.
Evans knows this weekend’s game is a must win, but expects a Northampton side to come to Priestfield battling for their lives as they look to pull clear of the League One relegation zone:
“Everyone has come through Peterborough really well.” Evans said. “Vadaine (Oliver) coming back is another option for selection. Northampton have just beaten Ipswich 3-0 so my players will be under no misconceptions that this is a really tough game.”
“We are going to have to produce another big performance on Saturday because Northampton are fighting for their lives.”
“I thought we performed probably better at Oxford, but we did our jobs better at Peterborough. There has been a real determination and focus within the group, driven by our Captain (Kyle Dempsey) who has been wonderful all season.”
Starting the game four points outside the play-off places, The Gills really will need other results to go their way over the coming weeks, but realistically they seem set for another season in League One.
Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club