Gillingham’s run of pre-season defeats isn’t a concern to boss Martin Allen.

A 3-0 loss at Woking on Saturday followed earlier defeats to a trio of higher-league teams.

But Allen insists that by this weekend, when the Gills line-up for their first League 1 fixture against Colchester at Priestfield, they will be ready.

He said: “I can’t wait for next week now. Saturday is when the competition starts and the players will be ready.“I hate losing.

"The players are upset about losing but we played much better in the second half (against Woking) and we played well against Crystal Palace, from start to finish. We are getting close to it.“

"The players are spot on. They care and train hard and are a great bunch and it’s a powerful squad. We will be ready.”

Allen will now work with his first team on the training pitch ready for the weekend.

A game at Maidenhead on Tuesday will be used to give fringe players and youngsters another run-out.

One player who won’t be moving to the Gills is former Stevenage defender Bondz N’Gala. He had been on trial with the club.