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Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh hopes to tighten up his team's defence

Manager Justin Edinburgh is on a mission to stamp out Gillingham’s poor defending.

The Gills boss is concerned by the amount of goals his side have begun to concede, currently averaging two a game.

Gillingham drew 3-3 at home to Oldham on Saturday and they have shipped eight goals in the last four games, in contrast to just three in their opening six matches.

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh and goalkeeping coach Jimmy Walker on the touchline against Oldham Picture: Barry Goodwin
Gills boss Justin Edinburgh and goalkeeping coach Jimmy Walker on the touchline against Oldham Picture: Barry Goodwin

Edinburgh said: “It is a concern and it’s something we will look at. We’ll study it and address it on Monday. It is very unlike us and that certainly needs addressing.”

Their excellent start defensively, however, means that only four teams in League 1 have conceded fewer goals than Gillingham in the opening 11 matches. At the other end, Gills are the division’s top scorers.

The Gills were twice ahead against Oldham but found themselves 3-2 down early in the second half before Jake Hessenthaler struck from the edge of the box to rescue a point.

Edinburgh’s side had a 100% home record this season prior to the weekend, but are still unbeaten in six at Priestfield. Saturday’s draw saw them drop to fourth in League 1.

“We can’t say it was a bad day at the office, we don’t believe in that, that won’t help us progress,” Edinburgh said.

“We have been open and honest in the changing room. It’s not for a lack of trying or wanting, it’s about a little bit more game management, a little more knowledge and more experience when we need it.

“We know we haven’t got a lot of experienced players out there.

“We can learn a lot from that game but what we haven’t done is lost and we’ve kept the unbeaten home record still intact.”

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