Gareth Ainsworth was once again pleased with his sides performance in their home win over Bristol Rovers last weekend.

He saw his side score three unanswered second half goals through James Brophy and a brace for substitute Sheldon Kendall. A result which lifts the Gills to fourth place in the league.

Speaking after the match to the official website, Ainsworth said: “I am really pleased as a manager, but I know this game as well, so I have to be very wary of feeling too good. Like I said last week, there are highs and lows.

“You have to keep working on the process because the process is improving, and I know that we are on this path, but there are some pitfalls on this path. There are some traps and holes that you can fall down, so I have to keep everyone grounded.”

Whilst Brophy and Kendall will take the plaudits for their goals, Ainsworth was keen to point out that it is a real team effort.

He added: “The defenders deserve as much credit as anyone today. We absolutely controlled our own penalty area. I don’t think that there were many shots on target for Ollie (Wright) to save today… and Ollie Wright, wow.

“He was coming for things; his kicking was superb, his safe pair of hands catching. I think that Deren (Ibrahim) takes a big bit of credit for that, and Stevey (Craig) and Pete (Gill) with the way that we are playing and defending.

“I think that we have got something special at the moment. We look fit and strong, and we are going at the end. 

“I said to the boys at half-time that we were the better team in the first-half and we should take our chances. Robbie (McKenzie) had the one in the wind, and I feel for him, because it is a difficult one to head in, but we had a couple of chances where we could have scored.

“I thought that the subs, again, made a real positive impact. Really, really positive. I am pleased for James (Brophy) with another goal, but Sheldon Kendall, two goals for him on a substitute appearance. It is really good. 

“Momentum is everything in football. What we have to say is that it is performance momentum. It is not just results all of the time. If you keep performing at that level, keep performing, keep scoring goals, keep defending like you are defending, and keep being brave on the ball.

“It is really good. You are seeing a different style than you have for a few years here, but that is the way that I like my teams to play.”

Ainsworth now has an EFL Trophy tie on Tuesday evening against Cambridge United, which will give him a chance to give some minutes to players who are potentially returning from injury, and those who have not featured as much in recent weeks.

“Some people need to start and need minutes. We do it all on a structured basis, and a plan that we want the best squad going up to York to take on a very impressive York team so far. We have to abide by the rules, so that will come into it as well.

“There will be one or two sore legs. Eli King has come off with cramp, and Omar (Beckles) was cramping up at the end there.