What Gillingham says about the game at Valley Parade

City’s 34-year-old birthday boy has been in scintillating form in front of goal – and the Kent side are on high alert.

“He is simply excellent at crossing the ball,” said Gills boss Bonner. “You have to cut off the supply to him and try to gain control of him in the box.

“You may have seen the goal he scored against Newport last week on Sky. He holds everyone back and shoots a header from behind that sends it into the top corner.

“Even when there is contact, he is a difficult opponent.

“He definitely started the season flying. If you’re a striker and you’re on seven goals now, you’re reasonably happy and we have to defend really well against him.”

Gillingham head towards BD8 looking to end a run of three straight defeats which has seen them slip from the top spot.

They will also be without experienced goalkeeper Glenn Morris, who suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s home defeat to Accrington.

Bonner added: “Some of your best days in football often happen in bigger stadiums and in the bigger atmosphere.

“It’s one of the biggest but obviously we got a brilliant result at Notts County, another club with an excellent stadium.

Armani Little gave Gillingham the lead last week but they lost again (Image: PA)

“I know a lot of the players have played there before and hopefully we can back up the Notts result, which was really good away from home.

“These are games that you should really enjoy as a player because it is a historic club and, more importantly, a big stadium with a really good atmosphere.

“The course is in much better condition than the last time we were there.

“It’s a good challenge for us after a difficult few weeks against a team that has found good form and put together a really good squad.

“I’m sure they’ll be there all season long.”