Gillingham have a break from League Two action when Barrow come to Priestfield on Saturday afternoon for the FA Cup 1st Round clash.

The Gills have had a mixed start to their league season and that could be an adequate way of the describing their FA Cup campaigns in recent history.

They’ve suffered at the hands of a number of lower league opposition over the years, but have also pulled off some incredible cup shocks themselves.

This weekend’s game gives manager Gareth Ainsworth the chance to rest some key players should he wish against the non league opposition.

The National League side are of course no strangers to The Gills having been relegated from League Two at the end of last season.

The two league games between the sides last season saw a 2-2 draw at Priestfield in December of 2025 and when they met again in Cumbria in February earlier this year, it was The Gills that won 1-0.

For Ainsworth, this could be a great chance to gain some much needed confidence as his side have impressed one week and then disappointed the next.

The Gillingham manager is expected to keep faith with the likes of Logan Dobbs and Harry Waldock after the pair impressed in the 2-1 win at Shrewsbury Town last weekend.

Fans will be hoping they see a much improved performance than they saw the last time the side turned out at Priestfield – having been beaten by Grimsby Town 4-1 on the previous Saturday.

Ainsworth has spoken of his desire to progress in the FA Cup, but appreciates it can always cause a shock:

“”I’ve been on the (right) end of a giant-killing, where I’ve been the killer.”

“And I’ve also played at Wimbledon when Wycombe had their fantastic run in 2001. They beat us. It’s a horrible feeling.”

“The pressure is on us to beat Barrow but, believe me, the Conference (National League) and League Two are not too far apart. There’s some fantastic teams in there.”

“We’ll have our work cut out, but I want to get into round two.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ollie Wright is hopeful the side will have more than enough to progress. He said:

“This is going to be a really tough game at the weekend. They are really physical and dominant. They have done well in the last five games, so going into it, they are going to be right up for it.”

“Especially with how far they have to travel as well. We just need to be on it, win our battles and be professional.”

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.