John Akinde says the team is determined to remain unbeaten for as long as possible in the league as Gills prepare to take on Swindon.
John Akinde came off the bench to strike the winner against Crewe back in early November, ending an unwanted run of five straight losses, all without registering a goal. One month on and things are looking very different.
This weekend Gillingham have a chance of making it five league games unbeaten, with the goals now flowing amongst a strike force which is really starting to click.
Akinde spoke to the local press before Saturday’s Sky Bet League One game with Swindon to discuss the impressive midweek away win at Bristol Rovers, the relationship between the forwards and Gillingham’s ambitions for the season.
Breaking the losing streak
“It was a weird period. In a few of the games we played really well and didn’t deserve to lose. We weren’t worried because we knew the performances were there. We were quietly confident that if we kept doing what we were doing, we would pick up the points. Now we are and have stopped the rut.
“When I go to a team, I want to get promoted. I want success. We have a strong squad, a squad that works really hard. It’s a long season, we need to take each game as it comes. The next game is Swindon and we need to perform how we know we can perform. The table will be the table after 46 games. It never lies.”
Beating Bristol Rovers on Wednesday
“The boys played well, it was a good performance. We want to keep this run of form going. After any loss you want to play the next game and everyone was itching to put things right. We wanted to make amends for getting knocked out of the cup.
“I knew I was going to get the better of Max Ehmer, I let him know that before the game. Max is a good player and he was at Gillingham for a long time. He is a top player and I am sure Bristol have enough quality in the team to be alright.”
Relationships up front
“Us boys up top love playing with each other. It takes the burden off the one striker. We can share the work load, make runs and make chances. That is key in scoring goals. Long may it continue.
“In training there is a lot of banter flowing. It’s just a great squad, with a great spirit and a great atmosphere.
“I am enjoying this season. The attackers have a good relationship off the football pitch, and a good relationship on it. I think that shows. On a personal note, I would have liked to have played more, but I’m not going to sulk or moan, I’ll just keep trying my best. If you want to play, you have to work. Everyone wants to play week in, week out. It’s down to taking your chance.
Goals
"The way we play is different to the way I have been playing for years. It’s just an adjustment. I want to score goals, but most importantly I want to help the team win. If I can play a part in that I will be happy. Ideally, I would have liked to score more goals; I will keep trying my best.”
Swindon on Saturday
“They try to play expansive football. I know a couple of the boys there; good players. Every game in this league is a challenge. There aren’t any easy games. We are going into it well aware of what they are capable of but also knowing what we can do to them.
"We will do our best to get the win.
“I feel like you can’t underestimate any team. We have to show respect, but not too much respect. If we play to the standard that we have been, then we will cause anyone a problem. We are confident we can be a match for anyone.”