Head2Head & Early Team News-Gillingham (A)

We've said it a million times before here at Mad, but a win really is a must for the Millers on Saturday as a four point gap has opened up between the teams hovering just above the drop zone.

Shaw

The omens aren't too clever for Rotherham though, with a less than impressive record at Preistfield. In the 21 games held in Kent, the Millers have won just three. You have to go back to May 1988 for the sides last win at the hosts, a 2-0 success. Last season we were humbled 3-1, with Paolo Vernazza bagging that super 30 yard own goal on the half volley - we could do with one at the right end from someone this weekend. Earlier this season though the Millers could do no wrong and bagged an easy 3-0 win with Martin Butler sealing it in injury time.

Goal shy Butler returns to the squad for Saturday after a bout of illness as boss Alan Knill has a full strength forward line to pick from. Jonathan Forte is back in contention but with Stephen Quinn and Paul Shaw both cementing places in the side and Will Hoskins on decent form, they may find they have to settle for warming the bench. Shaw will be looking to impress as he returns to his old stomping ground. Phil Gilchrist has returned to training and was expected to have a run out in yesterday's reserves defeat at Oldham, but the Millers fielded a young side and Gilchrist probably won't make the trip. Michael Keane is still suspended, Scott Minto has a virus but Andy Monkhouse will be included after making a recovery from his hamstring injury.

Byfield

Gills boss Ronnie Jepson has ex-Miller Darren Byfield back after he missed last week's Oldham defeat through suspension. The Millers defence will have to keep a tight watch on Byfield who'll be out to prove a point against his old employers. Fellow teenage striker Matty Jarvis is out after a hernia operation and Paul Shields is a doubt after a thigh problem as the Gills look to climb further away from the Millers and open up a 10 point gap between the two sides. Jepson is expecting a tough battle and told the Gills official site: "Rotherham are again a physical side - I say that every week - and they hit the ball long into the channels. They've got a bit of experience, height and pace and it's something we'll have to cope with."

Obviously not seen too much of us this season then Ronnie!!

League One Gillingham v Rotherham United 28 January 2006 Preistfield Ko 3pm

At Gillingham (21) At Rotherham U. (22) Results Total % Results Total % Gillingham 12 57.14 Rotherham U. 10 45.45 Rotherham U. 3 14.29 Gillingham 5 22.73 Draws 6 28.57 Draws 7 31.82 Goals Total Av.pg Goals Total Av.pg Gillingham 35 1.67 Rotherham U. 29 1.32 Rotherham U. 17 0.81 Gillingham 18 0.82 On Neutral Ground (0) Overall (43 matches) Results Total % Results Total % Gillingham 0 0.00 Gillingham 17 39.53 Rotherham U. 0 0.00 Rotherham U. 13 30.23 Draws 0 0.00 Draws 13 30.23 Goals Total Av.pg Goals Total Av.pg Gillingham 0 0.00 Gillingham 53 1.23 Rotherham U. 0 0.00 Rotherham U. 46 1.07

Records Highest Aggregate 6 Gillingham 5 - 1 Rotherham U. 1991/1992 Highest Gillingham score: 5 Gillingham 5 - 1 Rotherham U. 1991/1992 Highest Rotherham U. score: 3 Rotherham U. 3 - 0 Gillingham 2005/2006

Season Date Home Score Away Competition 2005/2006 Sat 10 Sep Rotherham U. 3 - 0 Gillingham League One 2004/2005 Sat 05 Mar Rotherham U. 1 - 3 Gillingham Championship Sat 18 Dec Gillingham 3 - 1 Rotherham U. Championship 2003/2004 Sat 20 Mar Gillingham 2 - 0 Rotherham U. League Division One Sat 27 Sep Rotherham U. 1 - 1 Gillingham League Division One 2002/2003 Sat 15 Mar Gillingham 1 - 1 Rotherham U. League Division One Sat 12 Oct Rotherham U. 1 - 1 Gillingham League Division One 2001/2002 Tue 26 Feb Rotherham U. 3 - 2 Gillingham League Division One Sat 22 Sep Gillingham 2 - 1 Rotherham U. League Division One 1996/1997 Tue 25 Mar Rotherham U. 1 - 2 Gillingham League Division Two Sat 21 Sep Gillingham 3 - 1 Rotherham U. League Division Two 1991/1992 Sat 15 Feb Gillingham 5 - 1 Rotherham U. Fourth Division Sat 14 Dec Rotherham U. 1 - 1 Gillingham Fourth Division 1987/1988 Mon 02 May Gillingham 0 - 2 Rotherham U. Third Division Sat 12 Dec Rotherham U. 1 - 2 Gillingham Third Division 1986/1987 Tue 03 Feb Gillingham 1 - 0 Rotherham U. Third Division Sat 06 Sep Rotherham U. 0 - 1 Gillingham Third Division 1985/1986 Fri 04 Apr Gillingham 3 - 0 Rotherham U. Third Division Wed 06 Nov Rotherham U. 1 - 1 Gillingham Third Division 1984/1985 Sat 13 Apr Rotherham U. 1 - 0 Gillingham Third Division Sat 10 Nov Gillingham 2 - 1 Rotherham U. Third Division 1983/1984 Sat 28 Apr Rotherham U. 3 - 0 Gillingham Third Division Sat 26 Nov Gillingham 4 - 2 Rotherham U. Third Division 1980/1981 Sat 03 Jan Gillingham 0 - 0 Rotherham U. Third Division Sat 18 Oct Rotherham U. 2 - 0 Gillingham Third Division 1979/1980 Sat 26 Apr Gillingham 0 - 1 Rotherham U. Third Division Sat 08 Dec Rotherham U. 2 - 1 Gillingham Third Division 1978/1979 Tue 27 Mar Rotherham U. 1 - 1 Gillingham Third Division Sat 19 Aug Gillingham 0 - 0 Rotherham U. Third Division 1977/1978 Sat 04 Mar Rotherham U. 2 - 0 Gillingham Third Division Sat 08 Oct Gillingham 2 - 1 Rotherham U. Third Division 1976/1977 Sat 07 May Rotherham U. 1 - 0 Gillingham Third Division Sat 04 Dec Gillingham 1 - 2 Rotherham U. Third Division 1975/1976 Tue 24 Feb Rotherham U. 2 - 0 Gillingham Third Division Tue 23 Sep Gillingham 0 - 0 Rotherham U. Third Division 1973/1974 Wed 03 Oct Gillingham 1 - 1 Rotherham U. Fourth Division Tue 18 Sep Rotherham U. 1 - 1 Gillingham Fourth Division 1970/1971 Sat 27 Mar Gillingham 2 - 1 Rotherham U. Third Division Sat 05 Sep Rotherham U. 0 - 0 Gillingham Third Division 1969/1970 Sat 10 Jan Gillingham 1 - 1 Rotherham U. Third Division Sat 20 Sep Rotherham U. 0 - 1 Gillingham Third Division 1968/1969 Wed 09 Oct Gillingham 2 - 0 Rotherham U. Third Division Tue 27 Aug Rotherham U. 1 - 0 Gillingham Third Division