Conor McManus believes Gillingham's free week of training can pay off against high-flying Bristol Rovers. The defender highlighted the squad's chance to work on tactical details ahead of Saturday's League Two clash at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Gillingham sit 11th in the table with nine points from six games, a solid start built on a recent upturn. They are unbeaten in five matches, a run that includes a 2-0 home win over Tranmere Rovers last time out. That victory, secured with goals from Logan Dobbs and Ronan Chapman Hale, also delivered a clean sheet.
McManus described the shutout as a nice bonus for the collective effort. "I think that it is to get those little tweaks on the training ground," the 22-year-old left-sided defender said. He noted the team has worked hard on preventing goals from both set-pieces and open play, with the back three or five performing well recently.
Strikers pressing from the front has also been key to the defensive structure. McManus feels the side has done a good job recently of nullifying physical threats, an area that will be tested again. Bristol Rovers, managed by Steve Evans, travel to ME7 sitting second in the division and are expected to be near the top all season.
With the extra preparation time, McManus is optimistic. "Hopefully our work will come to fruition," he said. The Republic of Ireland U21 international, recently called up by his country, will be part of a defence looking to extend the team's positive form.
The match kicks off at Priestfield on Saturday as Gillingham aim to close the three-point gap to leaders Barnet.
More detail at Gillingham Football Club
