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Gillingham's Kent Senior Cup semi-final against Maidstone gives opportunity to stake claims for first-team places

00:00, 19 March 2019

updated: 15:06, 19 March 2019

Gillingham's promising young striker Roman Campbell is primed to face Maidstone United in the Kent Senior Cup.

Youth player Campbell, who has been scoring goals and making a big impression on loan at Sittingbourne, is likely to partner Elliott List upfront for the Gills in their semi-final clash.

Gills boss Steve Lovell is resting his starters that featured against Luton Town at the weekend but his other senior players are all in the frame for the county cup match.

Young Gillingham forward Roman Campbell Picture: Ady Kerry
Young Gillingham forward Roman Campbell Picture: Ady Kerry

Defender Alex Lacey is one of them.

Lacey hasn't played for the Gills since mid-January because of injury but he was in the crowd to watch the game against Luton and is fit again to play.

"We are hoping to get some minutes out of him," said Gills boss Steve Lovell.

He added: "Elliott will play and the young boy Roman, it will be an opportunity for him to take that step forward and see how he does. .

"It will be a good strong side."

Campbell's opportunity comes as on-loan Forest Green striker Tahvon Campbell looks set to miss out on gaining some valuable game-time due to illness.

Alex Lacey watched the Gillingham game at Luton with the visiting fans Picture: Ady Kerry
Alex Lacey watched the Gillingham game at Luton with the visiting fans Picture: Ady Kerry

The midweek fixture comes at a good time for the Gills.

Lovell has been naming a consistent team in recent weeks, due to an upturn in form, which means others need minutes.

Regan Charles-Cook, Josh Rees and Billy King are all set to feature while Darren Oldaker will also hope to see some action.

Lovell said: "We still have eight games to go which could be very important and it is important we keep everyone ready if needed and he is ready like everyone else.

With Lovell set to name a strong team, he expects a result.

He said: "It is a proper game and it is against our local rivals Maidstone. We want to win, simple as that.

"We obviously have to be careful of the personnel we use but I think we have a team which should win the game and we will be expected to do so.

Regan Charles-Cook is in contention to start at the Gallagher Picture: Ady Kerry
Regan Charles-Cook is in contention to start at the Gallagher Picture: Ady Kerry

The two sides met in last season’s competition, with Lovell’s men beaten 2-1 in January 2018 at the Gallagher.

Maidstone are seemingly heading for relegation in the National League under the management of John Still, 13 points adrift of safety with eight games left.

Like last season, the Stones are set to field a strong team, with Still commenting: “It’s a local derby, it will be a good game and hopefully we can carry on playing the kind of football we are trying to play.”

The Gills have been allocated 500 terrace tickets, priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions and on sale from the club.

It's pay on the day for home supporters but Gillingham fans will not be able to buy tickets on the gate. Gills fans can collect their pre-purchased tickets from the Gallagher Stadium.

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent

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