What the Stats Say...Gillingham

Oxford make the trip to Gillingham aiming to earn their first win at Priestfield since 1983, but with the one of best away records in the league are in a very good position to do so. Matt Peck once again brings his statistical expertise to these pages to reveal Oxford's record away at the Gills.

THE NUMBERS

Form (League)
Gillingham: WWLDW (10 Points)
Oxford: WDWWD (11 Points)

Times played (at Gillingham): 15

Wins

Gillingham: 9

Oxford: 3

Draws: 3

Goals

Gillingham: 25

Oxford: 14

OTHER STATS

The last time Oxford walked away from Gillingham with 3 points was in 1983. The game was 0-0 at half time, but exploded to life with a 5 goal second half.

The two clubs first met in 1963, where Gillingham came away as 2-1 winners. Throughout the 70s and 80s the clubs met regularly, until 1983. After this the clubs wouldn’t meet again (in the league) for 15 years. Indeed since 1983 the clubs have played each other in just 2 seasons. In March 2000 they met for the first time since 1983, with Gillingham winning 1-0 thanks to an 89^th minute winner from Lewis.

The game last season ended Oxford’s long run without a clean sheet stretching back to September 11 2010. This run of 24 games is a club record.

Oxford’s last gasp goal against Macclesfield increased their unbeaten run in the league to 7 games (8 including cup) and their away form is still one of the best in the league.

Gillingham have had an average start to the season, going into the game in 9^th position. They have struggled at home recently having only won once since the end of August, at Priestfield.

A positive result for Gillingham will almost certainly see them enter the playoffs, if Oxford were to win, they would re-enter the automatic promotion places barring a very high scoring win for either Shrewsbury or AFC Wimbledon.

Follow @TBFUTH 

Follow @mattp2490