Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth says making it three wins on the spin this week would be “phenomenal”.
The Gills travel to Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night for a League 2 fixture.
Ainsworth’s side go into the game on the back of successive victories, against the bottom two teams, and Ainsworth is expecting a tough test against Steve Cotterill’s side.
“Steve Cotterill’s definitely a good manager,” said Ainsworth. “He’s probably got more games under his belt than me – and I’m one of the most [experienced] in the division.
“He’s a real experienced campaigner. He knows how to get results and how to dig in.
“We saw that when Cheltenham came to Priestfield. I watched that one on TV back at home.”
Ainsworth was recovering from heart surgery when the Gills drew 1-1 at home to Cheltenham, only earning a point thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser.
“I’ll be hoping we can turn that result around,” Ainsworth continued.
“Three wins on the spin would be phenomenal for us with what we’re trying to achieve this season, but it’s a tough place to go.”
Much has changed since that drawn match in October. Back then, Cheltenham were bottom of the table, and the Gills were sitting in third place.
The Gills are hoping to pick up the pace again, and a win on Saturday left them 12th.
League 2 table;
Cotterill’s team have made big strides, losing their last two games but 10 points clear of the relegation places ahead of the midweek contest.
The Gills were well backed on Saturday by 472 away supporters and Ainsworth’s men will be well backed again this week, despite a tough ask for fans to venture three hours west for a Tuesday night game.
Ainsworth also hailed the travelling supporters after Saturday’s win.
“Back-to-back wins is really nice, especially at a club I have become so attached to” he said.
“The fans were magnificent. It was a real joy to play in front of them.
“I could see them kicking every ball, heading every ball. I’m so glad they saw three quality goals at the Gillingham end and went home happy.
“We cannot rest on any laurels. I want to pick up a win at Cheltenham as well.”
Gillingham are likely to be without Jonny Smith and Ethan Coleman after their recent injuries.
Cameron Antwi could make his debut following his move from Newport on Friday and Ainsworth says they are chasing another signing before the window closes.
“There may be one more coming in,” he said. “We’ll see what happens in the week.
“We’re trying. We have real big meetings now, with myself and the owners, they’re over for the next couple of weeks.
“We’re talking a lot about not overspending, not getting people in just because everyone else is, but doing it the right way, at the right time, at the right price and hopefully we’ll get the right results.”
