We have to be at our best to compete against Charlton, says Gillingham coach Mark Patterson

GILLINGHAM development manager Mark Patterson says his team will need to be at their best if they are to overcome Charlton Athletic in the Kent Reliance Senior Cup Final tonight.

 

Both sides will be looking to claim some silverware before the season reaches its finale this weekend, and with Gills having not won the competition since 1946, Patterson is hopeful his squad can get the job done.


LONG WAIT: Gillingham last won the Kent Senior Cup back in 1946




FAVOURITES: Charlton Athletic are the favourites going into the Kent Reliance Senior Cup Final at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium tonight

Speaking to www.gillinghamfootballclub.com: “We’ve had some good games this season, every fixture we have played in so far has been a test for different reasons. We have worked hard to get this far and obviously we’ll do our best to win against Charlton.

“They have a very good setup there, they’ve got some excellent players and staff and it’s a cracking club. We know that we will need to be at our very best to be able to compete and it has the makings of a good tie.

“Hopefully everyone who comes along will enjoy it and both teams will put on a show and make it an entertaining Final.”

Patterson revealed first team players would be included; however some of the youngsters involved in previous rounds would also get the chance to impress.

He said: “We’ve always mixed it up and had senior players in with some of the younger ones and that will be the same for the Final.

“We are hoping that everyone puts in the same application for the game as they have for the previous fixtures.”

A good crowd is expected at Priestfield, and with a 50% offer for season ticket holders Patterson is looking for home support to help guide his team to victory.

He added: “They’ve come for the other fixtures, even at the training ground. It would be nice for them to see some of the younger ones and support the club, it’s been a while since we’ve been in a position to win this and hopefully we can take the final step and complete it.”

Charlton Athletic skipper Dillon Phillips, meanwhile, revealed how he and his team-mates are fully focused on the showpiece final.

Jason Euell’s Development Side has enjoyed a prolific run in the competition so far scoring 12 goals and conceding just one over the three rounds.

The Kent Reliance Senior Cup has provided a good platform for Phillips and his team-mates to gather experience.

Phillips told www.kentfa.com: “It’s been very rewarding. We’ve had to go to some tough places at some tough non-league grounds but I think that we’ve done really well as a team and it’s a great experience for us to play in front of non-league crowds. It’s a different experience and a good one which hopefully we can finish off at the final.”

With trips away to Cup holders Ebbsfleet United, Maidstone United and Ramsgate, Charlton Athletic have had to overcome some of Kent’s toughest challengers and have been very impressive in doing so but it is not something the Charlton skipper takes lightly.

“When you go to teams we’ve been drawn against in this competition, they don’t make it easy for you,” said Philips.

“They like to try and beat you up a bit because you’re a younger side but we’ve done really well and I’m happy, as is the team, to make it through to the final.”

Phillips and his team now face Football League opposition, saving their biggest challenge for the final and the Charlton goalkeeper, who has only conceded one goal in the competition so far, is acutely aware of the tough obstacle Gillingham will provide.

“I’m sure they’ll have a strong team out and both sides will want to win the game. We’ve had a good defensive record this year so hopefully we won’t concede any on the day and win the final.

“We will be watching bits and bobs on Gillingham and what they’ve done before but you’ve got to treat each game as it comes and what comes with the fact it’s a final.”

With 90 minutes potentially separating Charlton from lifting Kent’s most prestigious trophy for the second time in three seasons, Phillips’ motivation to lead the team to glory is clear.

“Who doesn’t want to win a final? We are not here to play nice football; we’re here to win the game and the trophy.”

And the prospect of playing the final at Priestfield Stadium, adds further to the occasion.

“I’m really excited to play at the stadium, I’ve been here a few times when I was younger to watch games but I’ve never played here. It will be really good for me and the lads.”

With Gillingham having the home advantage, Phillips is hoping Charlton fans will make the short trip to play their part in helping the team edge what will be a hotly contested final.

“It would be brilliant to see Charlton fans down here and I’m sure we will. We do get a few people come and watch us at the non-league grounds so hopefully we’ll be able to draw a crowd to watch us at Priestfield.”

The skipper has enjoyed Kent Cup success before and is firmly committed to adding further glory to his career at the club.

“Last year I was in and around the squad but I wasn’t there on the final day because I was away with the youth team but it would be great to lift the trophy.  I’ve done it once before being an Under 18 and it would be great to do it again.”

Tickets for the Kent Reliance Senior Cup are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions. Season tickets holders pay just £5 for their ticket.

Visit Gillingham’s website: www.gillinghamfootballclub.com

Visit Charlton Athletic’s website: www.cafc.co.uk

Visit The Kent Football Association website: www.kentfa.com

Gillingham  v  Charlton Athletic
Kent Reliance Senior Cup Final
Thursday 30^th April 2015
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Priestfield Stadium, Redfern Avenue, Gillingham, Kent ME7 2NG