Mark Stimson stopped short of calling Saturday’s game against Macclesfield a ‘must-win’ for his side, but make no mistake three points were absolutely vital to Gillingham’s promotion hopes.
Mathematically speaking, of course it is far too early to speak in such terms – there are still 42 points to play for between now and May. But from a psychological point of view it was vital to return to winning ways.
Mathematically speaking, of course it is far too early to speak in such terms – there are still 42 points to play for between now and May. But from a psychological point of view it was vital to return to winning ways.
While Gills have not been higher than fourth in League Two this season they have always been in the pack. After picking up just four points from a possible 15, anything other than a victory against the lowly Silkmen risked being cut adrift for the first time. Fortunately they are still in the mix, despite not hitting top gear.
Simon King was possibly the only Gills defender whose reputation was enhanced by Tuesday night’s 4-4 draw with Aldershot. The centre-back, who was ruled out of the game with an ankle injury, returned to great effect against Macclesfield. Still not 100 per cent, he made several crucial blocks in the first half and even opened the scoring in the first two minutes.
King is undoubtedly crucial to Gills hopes this season, but so could Mark McCammon, who was excellent in his first start since October. The tall striker’s career at Priestfield has verged on the calamitous, beginning with his first training session when he twanged a hamstring.
King is undoubtedly crucial to Gills hopes this season, but so could Mark McCammon, who was excellent in his first start since October. The tall striker’s career at Priestfield has verged on the calamitous, beginning with his first training session when he twanged a hamstring.
McCammon is still probably four or five games from being fully fit, but for the first time he showed flashes of why Stimson signed him. Barcham will quite rightly get the plaudits for his two goals but it was McCammon who laid the foundations, winning countless flick-ons for others to profit from and set up the second goal, albeit in clumsy fashion.
If – and it’s a big if – he can stay fit, then McCammon could turn into a key player and on paper is the perfect foil for Simeon Jackson.
It would be a mistake to read too much into a victory against a mediocre Macclesfield. Gills had to win and they did. Nothing more, nothing less. They are still in the pack but with huge games against Darlington, Shrewsbury and Brentford coming up next month ahead of an equally tough run-in, victory against Bournemouth next Saturday is also essential.
David Pritchard
Gillingham reporter
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