Breathing new life into Gills

GILLINGHAM’S four-strong coaching team will have spent this week pondering how to eke out a second successive win when Athletic comes to town on Saturday.

After four defeats — the first of which resulted in the sacking of previous boss Peter Taylor — the Gills celebrated a victory over Coventry.

“The lads showed great character towards the end,” said 12-goal striker Cody McDonald, whose latest strike came from the penalty spot.

“People might have started to get a bit nervous and so did we, but we kept going and thoroughly deserved three points in the end.”

McDonald, once a transfer target for ex-Athletic boss Paul Dickov, admitted satisfaction at scoring against a Coventry side managed by Steven Pressley - who let him leave to rejoin the Gills.

“I didn’t feel I had a point to prove, but it is always nice to score a goal against your old team,” he added.

“Pressley is a good man. I have got a lot of time for him. I left on good terms. That’s football.”

McDonald is the man to watch right now, having scored six goals in his last seven games.

With Danny Kedwell out of the picture, the 28 year old is likely to be partnered up front by the energetic Marquis.

The Gills are likely to stick with a diamond shape in midfield, with Stockport-born ex-Fulham man John Pritchard at its base.