Gillingham are on the road again tonight as they face Notts County at Meadow Lane, looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Bromley.
The loss against League Two leaders Bromley was Gillingham’s worst in terms of goal margin and goals conceded. Manager Gareth Ainsworth described the performance as their worst at home under his management and pledged to set things right ahead of Tuesday’s game.
Two of the first half goals were conceded as a result of defensive errors from the home side, as Bromley found themselves 3-0 up after 27 minutes. Gillingham struggled to contain the pace and ruthless finishing of the league leaders, although Bradley Dack’s 44th minute goal gave them some hope. Had the penalty appeal for the alleged manhandling of Josh Andrews at the start of the second half gone the Gills’ way, the result may have been different, but as Bromley’s fourth flew into the top corner – courtesy of former Gills player Ben Thompson – the home side’s fate was sealed.
Gillingham currently sit 14th in the table, eleven points away from the playoff places, but they have at least one game in hand over every team currently above them.
Notts County are currently fifth on 51 points, one away from the automatic promotion spots, and are in good form, having won their last four matches.
They had a poor start to the season, securing one point from their first three games, but since then their form has been solid. They haven’t been below the playoff places since October and have a knack of winning tight games.
In Saturday’s match away at Fleetwood, substitute Martin Dennis scored the winner three minutes after coming on to keep the visitors’ winning streak intact.
Gillingham and Notts County have played each other on 37 occasions, with Gillingham winning 19 and Notts County 12. They last faced each other at Priestfield this season on 13th September, when Gillingham won 1-0 courtesy of a Josh Andrews header to equal their previous record of 20 games unbeaten.
The Gillingham squad has some notable absences, following injuries in the past fortnight. Winger Jonny Smith has been confirmed as out for the season as he undergoes surgery following an injury sustained at Harrogate. Defender Connor Masterson also picked up an injury against Bromley, although the severity is as-yet unconfirmed. However, the recent signing of centre-back Omar Beckles suggests Masterson may be out for a while.
With the playoff places drifting further from Gillingham’s reach, they will need to get a result. Notts County are a good side in good form and with home advantage, but at some point, the Gills will need to take points from good sides if they are serious about climbing the table. Their only two victories since 8th November have been against teams in the relegation battle.
Time for the squad to stand up and be counted.
Image courtesy of Gillingham Football Club