Here's all the information you need to know ahead of Barrow's trip to Priestfield Stadium to take on Gillingham on Saturday.
Gillingham v Barrow
22nd October 2022, kick-off 3pm
Priestfield Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
Opposition
Formed out of the Napier Arms pub in May 1893, the club adopted professional status a year later, winning the Southern League Division 2 title in 1895. They gained promotion by beating Swindon 5-1 in a test play now known as the Play Offs. Gillingham's last title win in League Two came in the 2012/13 season, this coming nearly 50 years after their previous Football League title.
The Gills' highest winning margin came against Chesterfield in September 1987, A 10-0 victory that day at Priestfield’s was a particular highlight in Gillingham’s history.
Saturday's hosts have endured a tough start to the season, currently in 18th place, having only picked up 2 victories so far this season. Although, a draw last time out at Priestfield against league leaders Stevenage, ending Steve Evans' side's winning streak in the process will give the Gills confidence coming into the game against The Bluebirds.
The Venue
Priestfield has been home to Gillingham for its entire 129-year existence, hosting little over 11.5k. The Kent ground went under redevelopment in the 1990s and sits at an all-seater stadium. During its tenure of being home to Gillingham it has also seen a certain now English Premier League side play their home games at the venue. Back in 1990’s for two season Brighton and Hove Albion utilised the stadia for home fixtures.
The record attendance at the ground came in a FA Cup Third Round tie vs QPR. 23,002 fans on that day saw the sides entertain a 1-1 draw.
Head To Head
Only 20 matches have been played between The Bluebirds and The Gills, which dates to 1958 when Gillingham defeated Barrow 4-2 in the old Division Four. The two sides haven’t faced each other since 1972, when Barrow grabbed a 1-0 victory at Holker Street.
Gillingham have achieved the most victories in the head to head, 10 wins compared to Barrow’s 5. The Bluebirds are unbeaten against The Gills in their previous 3 matches; winning 2.
Referee
The man behind the whistle Saturday will be Carl Boyeson. He will be supported by Anthony Da Costa and Dean Treleaven. Daniel Bonneywell will be the Fourth Official.
Carl Boyeson has been in control of a Barrow game previously, back when The Bluebirds defeated Oldham Atheltic 3-0 at Boundary Park last season. Barrow fans might recall goals from Ollie Banks, Offrande Zanzala and Joe Grayson to bring all 3 points back to Cumbria.
Boyeson’s last fixture was when he was in control of Sheffield Wednesday's 2-0 away victory against Cambridge United recently.
Tickets
Tickets for this fixture are being sold directly by Gillingham's Ticket Office. Click HERE to grab your tickets.
Live Streaming
We are not allowed to live stream games in the UK between the hours of 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday, so this weekend’s game will not be available to domestic supporters.
Barrow fans outside of the UK will be able to access a live stream via iFollow and you can purchase the match in the usual way ahead of kick-off
Live Commentary
We will be providing live online audio commentary from every game this season as we continue our link-up with BBC Radio Cumbria.
Fans will be able to listen to energetic commentator Adam Johnson at Priestfield to describe all the action as it unfolds.
You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.