FORMER Gillingham favourite Adrian Pennock makes a playing comeback tonight with his debut for Gravesend & Northfleet in their Nationwide Conference derby against Margate at Stonebridge Road.

A month after persistent injury problems forced his retirement from the full-time game, the 31-year-old centre-back has signed for the Fleet until the end of the season. He has also accepted an offer to coach the club’s Under-19 side.

Pennock is likely to resume an old acquaintance tonight with former Gillingham clubmate Ben White who has joined the Fleet on loan and is likely to play alongside him tonight.

Pennock said: “Tonight’s match is a big game for both clubs and I hope they’ll be more than a few Gillingham supporters in the crowd. I'd love to see them.”