Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth accepts they need more creativity in the team and there’s work being done to make that happen.
The Gills struggled to break Accrington open on Saturday, finishing the season opener without a shot on target in a 1-1 draw. Their goal came from a home defender.
Ainsworth started with a couple of playmakers with Jonny Williams and Bradley Dack both featuring along with lively young forward Joe Gbode, all operating as support for striker Elliott Nevitt.
“(We’re) trying to add a little bit more right up top,” said the Gills boss.
“I think some creativity would be great.
“There’s a lot of onus on Brad at times to be that one and just help in that area of creation, a bit of magic around the box.
“We’ve got goalscorers. I thought Nev’s shot might have gone in. Joe’s almost. I think Robbie McKenzie from the corner in the first half. Some real good chances.
“We went away with a point, which I’m pleased with, and looking forward to next week now.”
Ainsworth still has winger Aaron Rowe to come back from injury, which would help, although fellow wide-man Jack Nolan wasn’t in the squad at the weekend, watching the game against his former team from the stands.
Summer singings Sam Vokes and Seb Palmer-Houlden are both out injured.
Gbode did create some problems for Accrington but Ainsworth has called on him to be more selfish.
“I want Joe to be a bit more greedy.” he said. “I think he’s a brilliant talent.
“I think he’s going to be a marked man this season from other teams, rightly so.
“There’s one thing, knowing what he can do, there’s another thing stopping what he can do. He has some sensational pace and strength and touch.
“He had one moment in the first half where everyone’s wanting that shot to hit the target. He had another one where he tried to slip in Max Clark and I think he could go on himself. This is where I want Joe to be better and gain understanding.
“We’ll work hard with him. But what a cracking lad. Humble. He wants it so much. I’ll improve that boy, definitely.”
Elsewhere in the squad, Ainsworth’s got options aplenty.
He played three central defenders at the back end of last season but went with a four-man defence at Accrington, meaning he had to choose two centre-halves from four.
Shad Ogie and Conor Masterson were picked, with Sam Gale introduced off the bench and Andy Smith unused.
On the defensive options, Ainsworth said: “Galey’s brilliant because he can play right-back as well. Shad can probably play left-back.
“Smithy has been just brilliant pre-season. Sensational. To have someone like that on the bench, you’ve got to think, we’ve got a decent outfit, and it’s up to the players on the pitch to keep their shirts now because he’s not going to knock on the door for long.
“He’s going to be in the team and performing as well. I’m really, really pleased. Everyone feels part of it.
“Sam Gale and Andy Smith, two fantastic defenders there, that didn’t start. That shows the strength we’ve got there.”
