Gillingham are back in League Two action as they welcome Bristol Rovers to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium this Saturday.

Gillingham have suffered three consecutive defeats since 10^th March, although the defeat on Tuesday night was a notably improved performance that was warmly acknowledged by the crowd.

Tuesday’s 2-0 loss at home to Swindon was almost a carbon copy of the game away at Swindon earlier in the season. Gillingham were the aggressors for most of the game and created significantly more chances than Swindon but couldn’t convert any of them. Swindon’s two second half goals came against the run of play but were clinically converted.

The loss means Gillingham remain 16^th in the table on 45 points, 14 points away from the play-off places, and 15 points clear of the relegation zone. Bristol Rovers, meanwhile, are 19^th, five points below Gillingham and ten away from the relegation zone.

Bristol Rovers have had an up and down season so far. After a reasonably solid start with five wins from the first ten, they lost the next ten fixtures, which resulted in the dismissal of Darrell Clarke and the appointment of former Gills manager, Steve Evans. Since Evans’ appointment, they have won seven and lost nine from 18 matches.

On Tuesday, Rovers picked up a solid 1-0 victory at home to Fleetwood. Tommy Leigh, currently on loan from Bradford, picked up the only goal in the 79^th minute via a deflection.

Gillingham and Bristol Rovers have played each other on 112 occasions, with Gillingham winning 44 and Bristol 47. In the reverse fixture in November, Gillingham won 1-0 with a spectacular second half volley from Max Clark.

Gillingham’s matchday squad on Tuesday was significantly strengthened with the return of first-team players Armani Little, Bradley Dack, Sam Gale, Omar Beckles and Garath McCleary. There were no additional injuries during the match and Ainsworth has hinted one or two more may be available for Saturday.

Tuesday’s performance, despite the loss, suggests there is still some fight in this Gillingham side, even as the season draws to an unremarkable close for them. Gillingham’s three consecutive losses have come against promotion-chasing teams; Saturday’s fixture gives them an opportunity against a club in their section of the league table. They need to put on a show.

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC