STIMSON: THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT PRIESTFIELD
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Last week Gills manager Mark Stimson worked his squad hard through extra training sessions that paid huge dividends with a well deserved victory against high flying Huddersfield.
Mark paid glowing tributes to his players following this win that puts the Gills five points above the relegation places.
Stimson told Kent Online, "I’m a massive believer that if you try and cut corners in training, you have to cut corners in matches, and in a match you can’t do that.
"The players worked extremely hard, especially in two tough days at the start of last week of doing the horrible side of the game and working hard on their fitness. They got their rewards and I’m pleased for them."
Saturday’s win was only Gills’ second this year but their ninth overall at home where they have only conceded 9 goals in 18 games – the best in the division. The five point gap between them at the bottom four is a welcome sight but the Gills have some difficult home games to come against Southampton and Leeds plus current League One leaders, Norwich away.
However, Mark is upbeat saying "There is something about Priestfield that gets results. We have to maintain that if we want to stay in this division but we also need results away."
Chris Dickson (right) was on the bench for the Huddersfield game after failing to recover sufficiently from a calf injury to play a full part on Saturday.
Chris only managed to train on Friday and also missing was Josh Gowling, with a hamstring injury and was seen leaving the ground before kick-off.
With another clear week before the Gills next game at bottom club Stockport Mark Stimson has further opportunities to increase fitness levels and improve skills with extra training sessions.
Gills have tried without success this season to win away from Priestfield and next Saturday’s trip will be their 18th on the road in trying to win all three points.
The omens are good for Gills though to register their first away win as they have a reasonable record at Edgeley Park winning their last three games and only losing once since 1989.
Gills most recent away game at Stockport was a second round F.A. Cup tie on a very bitter cold Tuesday evening in December 2008 when they won 2-1 after going a goal behind early on before a first half double strike from Andy Barcham (pictured right) secured the win.
This victory secured Gills a home televised third round tie against Premiership Aston Villa.