A positive start at the Wham Stadium required, says Gills boss.
Gills boss Steve Evans emphasised the importance of starting strongly at the Crown Grown on Saturday in what he predicts will be a tough match against promotion-hunting Accrington Stanley.
Accrington, looking to cement their place in the top six, have surprised many this season with 10 victories from their 17 league games, with impressive scalps taken such as Charlton, Portsmouth and Crewe.
Evans said ahead of the Sky Bet League One fixture: “There is no doubt that it is going to be really tough for us. I’ve watched Accrington live on a few occasions this season and they have quality players and a good manager. For me, this is the best Accrington team they have ever had. All the credit and plaudits go to their manager John Coleman.
“There is a frustration about our performances this season, they have been inconsistent. From our point of view we need to start the game well and see that through. It is important we start well because as we all know Accrington Stanley have an excellent home record and it is a difficult place to go. We need to produce a big performance.”
The Gillingham boss has landed his first three catches in the transfer marker with Tyreke Johnson and Callum Slattery joining on loan from Southampton as well as the exciting return of Olly Lee who also joined on loan from Hearts.
Evans said: “We could sign players every day, that would be easy, but they wouldn’t be the right players. We are trying to strengthen the group to help it. We are looking at some good ones. It is important that the players we bring in have a part to play.”
Gillingham will also benefit from the return of Jacob Mellis and Stuart O’Keefe, who both suffered injuries earlier in the season, and may be involved on Saturday.