Gillingham v Carlisle preview

Carlisle keen to close the gap at the top

Last updated: 28th March 2008

John Ward

Ward: Promotion push

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Gillingham boss Mark Stimson is expected to have defensive duo Danny Cullip and Nicky Southall available for the visit of Carlisle.

Centre-back Cullip has missed four of the last five games with a hamstring injury, while right-back Southall has been absent for over a month with a similar problem.

But the duo are fit again and pushing for an instant recall to Stimson's side as the Gills go in search of a second successive home win following a 2-1 success over Bournemouth last weekend.

Midfielder Andrew Crofts (flu) is also in contention, but goalkeeper Simon Royce (ankle) looks set to miss out again.

Kevin Maher serves the final game of his three-match ban while new loan signing Donovan Simmonds is unable to make his debut as he is suspended.

Reid debut

Carlisle defender Paul Reid is in line to make his second debut after re-joining on loan from Barnsley on Thursday.

Carlisle are arguably League One's form team at the moment and go into the game at the Priestfield Stadium unbeaten in their last 11 games and a victory for John Ward's side could close the gap on leaders Swansea to just two points.

Attacking duo Scott Dobie and Danny Carlton are pushing for starts, but Ward is still without midfielder Jeff Smith (ankle), striker Joe Garner (knee) and captain Paul Thirlwell (ankle).