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Gillingham fans in confident mood ahead of the home game against League 2 promotion rivals Bury

Bayo Akinfenwa powers past Crewe players
Bayo Akinfenwa powers past Crewe players

Adebayo Akinfenwa runs at the Crewe defence Picture: Barry Goodwin

Our panel of fans are, on the whole, confident of victory against Bury at Priestfield on Satuday, while our guest Shakers supporter is predicting a 2-2 draw between the League 2 promotion rivals.

ALEX SARSON

(Wellingborough)

"We are on a good run and confidence is high. There is no reason we can’t take all three points against Bury but it will be a tight game, no doubt about it. Goals shouldn’t be a problem but our defence needs to stay strong through the injuries it’s facing. Fingers crossed, Simon King’s hamstring and Tony Sinclair’s ankle injuries won’t keep them out the squad for too long.

"We need to attack Bury, make a quick start and get some first half goals, from there we can control the game.

"Bayo and Cody continue to be a formidable partnership with Cody making a run at being the top goal scorer in League 2 this season. I have full confidence at the moment that we continue to put pressure on the automatic promotion places."

Prediction: Gills 3 Bury 1

JAMES PEMBLE

(Gillingham)

"After a good away performance against Crewe, I’m hopeful of a win on Saturday. These next two games against Bury and Shrewsbury could make or break our season but hopefully we’re in good enough form to take all three points tomorrow (Saturday)."

Prediction: Gills 2 Bury 0

Cody McDonald
Cody McDonald

RICHARD PEPPER

(Manston)

"We are now at the stage where nothing but wins can be accepted from any match. Automatic promotion is unlikely as the other teams around us simply have too many games in hand. However, if we keep winning and one or two others slip up then it is still possible.

"Hopefully the ever-improving Weston will be given the full 90 minutes as he seems to be Hess’s permanent choice to come off when we make a change. McDonald (pictured) had a very poor game against Crewe, who had clearly done their homework on us, so let’s hope he will be back to his best.

"Bury are a good side but lack pace, especially at the back, so with Weston and McDonald making runs we should cause them enough problems to score. It would be great to see Cody reach the 20 mark with a hat-trick and become League 2’s leading scorer for the first time. As long as we keep it tight at the back we should take maximum points."

Prediction: Gills 3 Bury 1

JAMES STAPLES

(Greenwich)

"The players will have had a seven day rest before Saturday’s game which could prove a key factor on the day. That said I’m anticipating a close game. Bury are a decent side and have been in and around the play-off places of League 2 for a number of seasons now.

"I hope Lawrence can recover from his injury and at least take up a place on the bench; otherwise we’ll be critically short of defensive cover.

"Last week I mentioned the re-emergence of Curtis Weston and I’m backing him to be instrumental again this weekend. We do lack width with the diamond midfield and if we’re struggling to break the Shakers down I’d love Hess throw on the likes of Rooney and Oli to attack the opposition full-backs. I’m really looking forward too this game and it’s brilliant to see the players going out with real confidence and belief."

Prediction: Gills 1 Bury 1

JULIAN HART

(Canterbury)

"It will be a very tight game. Both teams pushing for play-offs/automatic promotion. Bury drew 1-1 in their last match as did we, if however the Gills play like they did against Rotherham it will be a good match."

Prediction: Gills 2 Bury 1

Curtis Weston
Curtis Weston

JAMES BARNES

(Strood)

"After last Saturday’s performance against Crewe I think we have a great chance of beating Bury. With the likes of Curtis Weston (pictured) and Cody and even Bayo playing well in the last couple of games we should be in with a chance of beating them.

"The problem that Bury give us is the prolific striker of Ryan Lowe who has 20 goals this season, and I won’t be surprised if he scores tomorrow (Saturday). All we need is the Rainham End behind the boys and then they can do the work for us."

Prediction: Gills 3 Bury 1

SAM LIVINGSTONE

(Pangbourne)

This is a must-win game for the Gills, due to the amount of games that most of our promotion rivals have in hand over us. Whilst I would much rather have the points in the bag I think that we have to be wary of these teams such as Torquay.

"We are still on a very good run of form and our performances at home have seen a marked improvement in recent weeks. I think that we will win, but solely due to the amount of chances we will create, as I am not sure how well our defence will be able to cope with Bishop and Lowe up front for Bury."

Gillingham to win 3 -2 with McDonald bagging a brace and Akinfenwa for the third.

Prediction: Gills 3 Bury 2

BURY FAN

(Hannah Ingram)

"Bury could pull out a win but after stumbling at Stockport, I’m not so sure!

"Their away form took a serious knock with all of the postponements over Christmas so I think the team fell out of practice. When they went to Wycombe for their only December fixture, something went missing and since then, the lads have been trying to get their teeth back into the promotion race.

"I think Bury have played better away from home this season because the pressure is off – the home crowd expects to see a team pushing to get out of this league and are quick to get on the players’ backs when things aren’t going well.

"The key man to keep an eye out for is Ryan Lowe – he’s joint top scorer in the league and has found his shooting boots again after a dry spell. Andy Haworth is pretty nippy down the wings so I’d watch out for him.

"Bury should have beaten Chesterfield on Tuesday night and will be gutted they didn’t take advantage of their dominance. They conceded early but were back on form in the second half, showing the battling attitude which was lacking at the start of the year."

Prediction: Gills 2 Bury 2

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