Gillingham take on Wycombe Wanderers at Priestfield – the two sides compete for the second group-stage qualifying spot alongside Colchester United in the Vertu Trophy

Gillingham’s progress in this season’s EFL Trophy depends on the result of tonight’s game against the manager’s former club.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side need a result against Wycombe Wanderers at Priestfield when they take on the League 1 side in the third and final group stage fixture.

Ainsworth and his assistant Richard Dobson were in charge at Wycombe for over a decade, guiding them from League 2 to the Championship.

Whichever side comes out on top at Priestfield will book their place in the second round of the Trophy competition, along with Southern Section Group G leaders Colchester United.

Colchester, who top the table on seven points, entertain Fulham under-21s on the same night.

The Gills and Wycombe both have four points, with a win and a loss in each of their opening two games.

It’s a low-key fixture for most, but Ainsworth will relish the opportunity to take on his former club.

He said: “It's a special club and I'm really hoping that we progress in the tournament.

“I've got some players that want to get games and that I want to get minutes into. I want to see them coming through and joining what is a fantastic squad.

“We want to try and progress in this tournament, but it'll be really special for me to be against Wycombe.

“It always will be. You can't take that away from me. I've never been back to Adams Park yet. To have them at our place, I know it's the Trophy, which isn't as well supported as league games and cup games. I'm still going to enjoy that one.”

The Gills have been eliminated at the first-round group stage in the previous four seasons and would be facing an away draw in round two if they progress as group-stage runners-up.

Ainsworth’s side beat Fulham under-21s 4-1 in their Trophy opener but were