Captain Andy Frampton salutes the fans on Tuesday Pic: B Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Andy Frampton says Tuesday night’s victory over Bournemouth proves Gillingham have what it takes to compete at the higher level.

The Gillingham captain led his side to a 3-2 victory over their League 1 visitors at Priestfield and said: "I never thought they over-run us at any stage over the two games, even when they were 3-1 up at their place.

"We knew we would get chances on Tuesday, being at home, and the way we have been playing.

"It was hard at their place and they could have edged it but after hearing some of the comments from their players, coming off the pitch, it suggests we deserved to go through.

"I have played a lot of my career in League 1 and don’t think there is much of a gap between the two leagues.

"It will take hard work to get out of this one and once we are out, hopefully we can push on in League 1. On Tuesday and last Saturday, we showed we have the quality."

The Gills return to League 2 action this weekend with a home game against lowly Bradford City.

Defender Frampton added: "It’s a tough fixture and those games are the dangerous ones.

"We have to apply ourselves right and hopefully get a positive result and keep this run going."

The Gills have won four of their last six league matches but Frampton said: "We still haven’t hit our top form yet – that’s the exciting thing.

"We have got a great bunch and have potential all over the team. We are fighting for each other and digging deep. Now it looks like it is clicking.

"Everyone wants us to play well and
to see their team-mates play well.

"The competition for places is fantastic and the gaffer has put a squad together that, as we showed against Bournemouth, can be changed and still perform. Things are looking bright."

The Gills will revisit the FA Cup, once they have played Bradford on Saturday, with a trip to Leyton Orient in round two.

Frampton, who has twice reached the fifth round, hopes the Gills
can keep progressing in the competition.

He said: "We are excited about the FA Cup. People say it can be a distraction but it isn’t, it’s fantastic.

"If you can keep the roll going and you are winning, then why not? We are pleased to be in the second round against Leyton Orient.

"It’s brilliant for the club and great for the supporters. It’s going to be tough but again it’s another opportunity for us to prove our quality and hopefully see if we can take this run into another round."

He added: "I knew I would have to fight for my place here and don’t expect to join any club and win a place outright.

"I wouldn’t come to a club where I didn’t have to fight for my place because there would be no point."

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