Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says his side must improve their finishing after a 1-1 draw with Barnet in League Two.
Gillingham extended their scoring run at Priestfield but missed opportunities again proved costly. The weekend draw against Barnet continued a pattern that has frustrated Ainsworth across recent weeks, with the side creating chances without converting enough of them. The point leaves the club searching for more efficiency ahead of a demanding winter schedule and a growing need to turn performances into sustained results.
Ainsworth Calls For Sharper Finishing As Season Statistics Improve
Ainsworth acknowledged the progress made since his arrival, with Gillingham having scored in all but one league match this season, but stressed that the overall return remains short of the levels required to compete higher in the table.
After 17 games, the club have registered 23 goals, equalling the tally recorded at the same stage last season. Improvements in expected goals, shots on target and chance creation underline the step forward, yet the conversion rate continues to lag behind.
A SENSATIONAL free-kick from Bradley Dack 😮💨#Gills pic.twitter.com/y1F6aYehfp
— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) November 22, 2025
The draw against Barnet saw Bradley Dack score from a well placed free kick, adding to his total of five goals for the season. However, Gillingham were frustrated by missed chances and by strong goalkeeping from Cieran Slicker. The manager highlighted that five of the team’s 17 league goals have come from penalties, underlining the need for more returns from open play.
The club’s record of scoring in all but one league fixture, excluding the defeat to Grimsby that was influenced by two red cards and a contentious penalty, offers encouragement. Last season’s tally of 14 goals at the same stage, as well as the six scored in the 2022–23 campaign and the record low return in 2021–22, shows the current side have made progress. The challenge now is to turn that improvement into sustained attacking output.
Reset.
We go again at the weekend. 👊#Gills pic.twitter.com/G2FkRr5gnX
— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) November 24, 2025
Experienced Duo Backed To Drive Improvements As Strikers Still Search For Form
Ainsworth praised the contribution of Dack and fellow senior player Garath McCleary, both of whom bring Premier League experience and remain influential figures. McCleary continues to work towards full match sharpness, while Dack has established a strong relationship with the manager and is central to the team’s leadership group. Both are expected to play key roles as Gillingham attempt to convert performances into higher scoring returns.
The manager also commented on the current form of his strikers. Josh Andrews leads the group with three goals from 20 appearances, while Sam Vokes has two goals from 15 matches, largely as a substitute. Marcus Wyllie has scored two in 11, Elliott Nevitt has two in 17 and Seb Palmer Houlden has two in nine. Ainsworth expects the forwards to increase their output as chance creation continues to improve.
The manager’s focus now shifts to Tuesday’s fixture, with work ongoing on the training ground to ensure the team are more ruthless in the final third. With Gillingham ranking seventh in League Two for big chances missed, the priority is clear. Ainsworth remains confident the group can raise their level as the season approaches the halfway mark.
