Callum Reilly absent for Gills’ FA Cup clash

Posted Thursday, November 08, 2018 by PA

Gillingham boss Steve Lovell has confirmed Callum Reilly is the only absentee for the home FA Cup clash with Hartlepool.

The midfielder continues to struggle with a groin injury he sustained in the first half of last month’s Sky Bet League One defeat at Plymouth.

Defender Alex Lacey twisted his knee in the warm-up at Fleetwood last weekend and missed Tuesday’s loss to Blackpool, but he is expected to be available.

Bradley Garmston and Josh Rees resumed training on Monday but were not risked against the Seasiders. They could come into contention against the National League side, as could forward Billy Bingham who has recovered from an ankle problem.

Hartlepool will be forced to field a makeshift defence due to suspensions.

Peter Kioso was sent off in Pools’ 4-0 drubbing at Bromley last weekend, while skipper Andrew Davies saw red in the 1-0 defeat at Wrexham and serves the second game of a three-match ban.

It was feared full-back Carl Magnay would also miss out after he was booked for the fifth time this season against Bromley. However, new rules regarding accumulated yellow cards mean he will now sit out the National League game at home to Barnet.

Central defender James Butler arrived on loan from Stoke this week but he is cup-tied having played against Hartlepool for Kidsgrove Athletic in the previous round. Midfielder Michael Woods could return to the squad following an ankle injury.