Gillingham are back in League Two action as they welcome rivals Swindon Town to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Tuesday night.

Gillingham have suffered their two worst defeats of the season in consecutive games, shipping ten goals in two games as their form hits rock bottom. They will need to put in a strong performance for the home fans.

Saturday’s 5-0 loss away at promotion-chasing Cambridge United was a tough watch for the 1034 fans who made the trip.  Cambridge went 1-0 ahead with a minute on the clock courtesy of Dom Ball, and the pressure continued all game with a second goal in the 36^th minute, followed by three more in the second half. Gillingham, meanwhile, failed to register a single shot on target.

The loss leaves Gillingham 16^th in the table on 45 points, 14 points away from the play off places, and 16 points clear of the relegation zone. Swindon are 6^th, five points away from the automatic promotion spots, but comfortably in the play off places.

Swindon have had an interesting season, largely dealing in wins or losses, but with only six draws out of 37 games. They have lost one fewer game than Gillingham but are 18 points ahead of them.

However, their recent form has been poor, with two draws and two losses in their last four games. This form has taken them out of the automatic promotion places, where they have spent most of the season.

On Saturday, they had a disappointing result as they lost 1-2 at home to MK Dons. They went behind in the first half through a deflected shot from Alex Gilbey. Ollie Clarke equalised for Swindon early in the second half, before Marvin Ekpiteta scored the winner for the visitors.

Gillingham and Swindon have played each other on 107 occasions, with Gillingham winning 35 and Swindon 37. In the reverse fixture on New Year’s Day, Swindon won 2-0.

The game was fairly typical of much of Gillingham’s season in that they were the more aggressive side with more shots on goal, but unable to convert any of their chances. Swindon, meanwhile, scored from a slick free-kick move in the second half and wrapped the points up with their second in injury time.

Gillingham’s injuries has been a significant problem for Ainsworth in recent weeks, coupled with the fact that they have played some of the strongest teams in the league in consecutive weeks.

However, with Garath McCleary, Bradley Dack, Omar Beckles and Armani Little coming on as substitutes in Saturday’s game, Ainsworth could have more senior professionals to choose from on Tuesday night.

Gillingham have an opportunity to put in a good performance against an out-of-form Swindon, which could ease fans’ concerns over recent results.

With so many injuries, there could be a temptation to write off the previous two games, but with the club’s highest paid stars returning, there is no reason why the Gills shouldn’t be expected to put in a strong performance against their rivals.

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.