Gillingham boss Stephen Clemence hast stated that his side are full of confidence ahead of their clash with Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, after winning their last three matches in a row.
As a result, the Gills have moved up the eighth in the League Two table, just one position as well as one point off of the play-offs. Despite scoring a league-low 23 goals this season, Clemence has built his side on having a strong defence, and that said defence has helped them climb up the table in recent weeks.
There is a genuine chance that Gillingham can make the play-offs, especially if they are able to improve in front of goal. The attacking areas are no doubt a position which will be addressed in January, as if not, there is a risk of the club falling behind their competitors.
The Gills have however found themselves the perfect opportunity to continue their current rich vein of form, as they welcome bottom of the table Forest Green to Priestfield on Saturday. Their opponents are in dire form to say the least and are winless in their last ten in the league.
To make matters worse for the Green, they are now managerless after the club announced the sacking of Troy Deeney on Thursday evening after just six games in charge of the club.
Gills manager Clemence will be hoping that his side can take their chances against the League Two strugglers, and potentially move into the play-off positions in the process.
Speaking to Kent Online, Clemence wanted to give their opponents respect, but did not shy away from the confidence his players currently have.
“I respect every opponent. I know the work I put in alongside Robbie (Stockdale, the assistant coach) and the other people in the football department, that sort of work is going on at other football clubs, just as we work hard on trying to beat an opponent, they are doing the same to us.”
“We have to respect every opponent fully and we will continue to do that. The mood has been good since I have been here, we have had some disappointing afternoons but the lads are enjoying the football we’re playing, we have won three on the spin but in the games before that, we could have won more.
“We will be going for four on the spin, the lads are in confident mood and we’re looking forward to Saturday. I really hope the game is going to be on because there are issues with the weather, the pitch is covered, I expect it to be on but we don’t need another cold spell.”
Writer’s View
Anything other than three points for Gillingham on Saturday will come as a huge disappointment. The match represents a great opportunity for some of the strikers to find some form given their opponents poor defensive record.
Bringing in a striker is still the priority for January, as the Gills have found themselves outpaced at points by other sides in front of goal. If they’re serious contenders for promotion this season, a proven goalscorer needs to be brought in. Although they may win without one against Forest Green, other sides towards the top of the table will not be so forgiving.
Senior Editor
