Sent To Coventry - Gillingham

Last updated : 15 September 2004 By Covsupport
Coventry City take on Gillingham tonight at Highfield Road in a Championship game where both sides are looking to bounce back from weekend defeats.

Peter Reid, who will be a guest at a Fans Forum at Coventry City Supporters Club tomorrow night (8pm), looks likely to give a debut to new signing Stern John. The former El Dorado striker who has been given the number 24 shirt is likely to partner Andy Morrell in attack.

The City boss' main injury worry is Tim Sherwood who is struggling with a rib injury sustained in the game at Leeds.

In defence, changes are required with the one match suspension of Louis Carey who picked up two yellow cards on Saturday. Andy Whing will deputise.

There may also be a change in goal with Manchester United loanee Luke Steele replacing Scott Shearer. The Scottish goalkeeper who has yet to make his international debut admitted blame for the third goal at Leeds but fans and some websites have blamed him for either or both of the other two goals.

Gillingham arrive in Coventry, having lost heavily at home to Sunderland on Saturday. Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler who was sent off the last times the teams met,could bring back Nicky Southall who has recovered from a groin injury. He still has doubts about Barry Ashby and will be without Adam Nosworthy who has a groin problem.

The referee is Mike Pike from Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. His last appearance at Highfield Road was in the 0-0 against Watford last season. This will be his fifth game of the season and so far he has cautioned ten players but not shown a red card. His record of bookings last season was 64 in 35 matches with six red cards. He will be assisted by Martin Harris from Lincolnshire & Dean Whitestone from Northamptonshire

There are plenty of tickets available form the ticket offices at the ground and in town.