PU PREVIEW 34: GILLINGHAM

Gillingham FC came into being as New Brompton FC on 18 May 1893. The founders also purchased the plot of land that later became Priestfield Stadium, which is still the club's home. The club was among the founder members of the Southern League in 1894 and defeated First Division Sunderland in the FA Cup in the 1907-08 season before losing to Manchester City in a replay. They changed their name to Gillingham FC in 1912, joining the new Football League Division Three in 1920.

In 1938, Gillingham was replaced in the Football League by Ipswich Town but returned in 1950 when Division Three (South) was expanded. They won their first promotion in 1964 under manager Freddie Cox, who had previously managed Pompey. In 1987, Gillingham won 8-1 and 10-0 on successive Saturdays, against Southend United and Chesterfield. The club went into administration in January 1995 and was bought by businessman Paul Scally, who installed Tony Pulis as manager. Pulis went on to manage Pompey. In 2000, the Gills were promoted to the second tier of English football for the first time after winning a play-off final versus Wigan Athletic. Gillingham have also been managed by two former Pompey players, Mark Stimson and Martin Allen. They are currently managed by Steve Evans (appointed May 2019).

Gillingham finished in 13th place in the 2018-19 season. The club is nicknamed The Gills.

Pompey and Gillingham have met on thirty-six occasions, the first coming in September 1920. Of the five League Cup meetings, Pompey has won four and Gillingham one. The single FA Cup meeting was won 1-0 by Pompey in 2005. Pompey won 4-0 in September 2018 in the Football League Trophy. The twenty-nine League meetings have resulted in thirteen wins for Pompey, eight for Gillingham and eight draws. The last League meeting was in October 2019 at Fratton Park, ending in a 0-0 draw.

(Information via Wikipedia and www.11v11.com)