All Eyes on 'Kent': Unbeaten Derby Day at Bromley

Right then. This is a big one. On Saturday, we’re off to Bromley for a proper 'Kent' derby, and this one has all the ingredients. It’s live on Sky Sports, both clubs are putting their unbeaten records on the line, and their little ground is completely sold out. The stage is set for a massive game.

The squad tuned up nicely on Tuesday night, putting four past Fulham’s U21s in a 4−1 EFL Trophy win. It was brilliant to see some of the other players get a run-out, and what a moment for 18-year-old Logan Dobbs, scoring on his first senior start! He called the experience "unreal," and it’s that kind of momentum that keeps the good feelings rolling ahead of the weekend.

We're Scoring Goals, But Let's Not Forget Last Season

Everyone’s talking about the transformation under Gareth Ainsworth, especially up front. Can you believe it? We’ve now scored in every single one of his 17 games in charge. That’s a world away from where we were a couple of seasons ago. Ainsworth also brought in more firepower on deadline day with veteran winger Garath McCleary and loanee Jonny Smith joining the likes of Bradley Dack and Sam Vokes. The gaffer reckons they have the tools to "unlock tight defences."

We’re sitting pretty at the top of the table with 14 points from 6 games, but the pundits are all reminding us not to get cocky about Bromley. And they have a point. We all remember what happened last season, don't we? They did the double over us, and that horrible 3−0 drubbing at Priestfield was the final straw for the previous manager. This Ainsworth side is a different beast, but we’ll need to be fully focused to avoid a repeat.

What We're All Thinking

The mood among the Gills faithful is buzzing, but there’s a healthy dose of caution too. After the start we’ve had, how can you not be optimistic? As David Graham on X put it, confidence is "running through the club from top to bottom," and we have "every reason to be feeling good." With Armani Little leading our scoring charts with 3 goals, we know we have threats all over the pitch.

At the same time, the memory of how Bromley had our number last year is still fresh. This won’t be a walk in the park. Still, the feeling is that this new-look Gills team can handle it. With a packed-out away end and thousands more watching on TV, it’s a massive chance to show the whole country what we’re about this season.

Scouting Report: The Ravens

Fair play to Bromley, they’ve adapted to League Two impressively. They’re sitting 3rd with 12 points and are unbeaten, just like us. Andy Woodman has got them well-drilled and they’re a tough nut to crack, with one of the better defensive records in the division.

Up top, the man to watch is striker Nicke Kabamba, who’s already on 3 goals, while the experienced poacher Michael Cheek is always a danger. They’re also a threat from set-pieces, with centre-back Omar Sowunmi having already scored twice. They’ll be physical, direct, and fired up by a full house wanting local bragging rights again.

German Gills Score Prediction

This has a tight, hard-fought battle written all over it, especially with the TV cameras there. Both defences have been excellent – we’ve only conceded 3 league goals and they’ve only let in 5. Don’t expect a goal-fest.

Bromley will be full of confidence, thinking they can do it again. But this is a new Gills. This is Ainsworth’s Gills, full of experience and a winning mentality. We’ve shown we can dig in and get results when we need to. It’s going to be nervy and tense, with neither side wanting to give an inch. For me, it ends in a stalemate.

Score Prediction: Bromley 1–1 Gillingham

Written by Rhys - German Gills