Offrande Zanzala in Accrington squad for Gillingham clash

Posted Thursday, August 02, 2018 by PA

Accrington begin life in League One with a new striker on their books after securing the permanent signing of Offrande Zanzala from Derby.

The 21-year-old scored one goal in six games on loan last season and has signed a two-year contract at the Wham Stadium.

Boss John Coleman is still hoping to add another couple of new faces, with a goalkeeper top of the list. Aaron Chapman left at the end of last season to join Peterborough, so Jonathan Maxted is set to start Saturday’s clash with Gillingham.

Kayden Jackson is attracting a lot of interest but remains a Stanley player, unlike Janoi Donacien, who left to join Ipswich this week. Teenage striker Ross Sykes will hope to be involved after a strong pre-season, while new signings Will Wood and Sam Finley could make their debuts.

Gillingham are hopeful last season’s leading scorer Tom Eaves will be available for the clash.

He has managed just two halves of action during pre-season after suffering an ankle injury but is progressing well, while Conor Wilkinson is battling to be fit following a thigh strain.

There are also doubts over new signing Josh Rees (ankle), Elliott List (shoulder) and Josh Parker (dead leg), but Mark Byrne will not face any further action following his pre-season sending off against Colchester.

New signings Barry Fuller, Dean Parrett, Regan Charles-Cook, Brandon Hanlan and Callum Reilly will hope to be involved.