Gillingham face Newport County tonight at Priestfield Stadium, with manager Mark Bonner determined to halt their recent slide in League 2.
After four consecutive defeats, the pressure is mounting on Bonner’s side, but the Gills boss remains focused on the task at hand, emphasizing resilience and discipline as key to getting back on track.
Gillingham’s Struggles Amidst League 2 Tight Race
The Gills have endured a frustrating run of form in recent weeks, with a once-promising start to the season overshadowed by a string of poor results. Having topped the table at the beginning of October, Gillingham’s fortunes shifted following a home defeat to Grimsby Town, marking the start of their current downward spiral. They’ve also lost their last two home fixtures, including a disappointing 2-1 loss against Bradford City over the weekend.
Despite the recent losses, the club still finds itself in a respectable league position, but Bonner is keen to end the losing streak and regain momentum.
“We’re not satisfied with the outcome of the game but in the end, I have to protect the team all the time, and the whole world will go crazy. We just get on with it,” said Bonner of the recent defeat. “People will love you when you’re four on the bounce and hate you when you’re four in defeat. That’s just the nature of it. We’ll crack on, and we want to end this run as quickly as possible.”
With Newport County also struggling after three consecutive losses, tonight’s clash presents an opportunity for both sides to reverse their fortunes. Bonner emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence despite the recent setbacks, urging his players to block out external criticism and focus on executing their game plan.
The Gills’ manager also highlighted the importance of controlling what they can on the pitch, stating, “It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself in these situations, but if we stick to what we do well, I’m confident we can get back to winning ways.”
Writer’s View
Mark Bonner’s calm and methodical approach might just be the remedy Gillingham need in this difficult period. His insistence on focusing on their own performance, rather than external noise, could see the Gills break their losing streak soon. The match against Newport County will be pivotal in restoring both form and confidence for the Gills.
