Gillingham manager Steve Evans knew it would take time to get things right.

The Gills are four games without a win in League 1, returning empty-handed from their trip to face Coventry on Saturday.

Evans has been encouraged by some of their play, however, including the second half performance at the weekend which he felt should have given them a share of the spoils.

Rather than being disappointed, Evans feels they are more advanced than he thought, in regards to their play.

He said: “We went home disappointed but win or lose we go on the training ground and work hard.

“We knew it was going to take a bit of time, we knew that from the minute we walked in the door. We are probably playing better football than I expected us to, so early, but I would rather a poor game and win 1-0.”

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Evans has talked a lot about strengthening the team in recent weeks but was brief when questioned at the weekend, saying: “We will be active early part of the week.”

He’s keen for several more additions before the transfer window closes next week.

The Gills have drawn two and lost two and Evans stated: “This group is a new group, we’ll be fine.

“The table is a bit misleading because others have played a game more and we haven’t had luck.

“We are still battling to get people completely fit. We are getting there.

“The performance against Blackpool (last Tuesday) was very good, they were applauded off. The fans would have gone to the tea bar on Saturday and quite rightly not thought it was the same team as the Blackpool game.

“They will say the second half was excellent though, because they are honest.

“I was top of the league (in August last season for Peterborough) and got the sack in January. Work that one out.

“If I had spent the money that Mark Robins (the Coventry manager) had spent then we would be doing that kind of thing, but we’ve not. We do also have good players.”

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In contrast to the Gills, Coventry are five games unbeaten in the league. They are one of five sides leading the way in the division with 11 points to their name.

Evans said: “If we spent their money we would have aspirations to be champions, not a top six side.

“Mark has built a good side, bought some good players. The board have backed him and I was with some of them last week, and they are tremendous people.

“The Coventry fans were right behind them but second half they’ve seen their team get out-played, out-thought, out-battled, out everything but they stuck with them.

“Let’s be honest, they gave us a hiding first half and we gave them a hiding second.

“That’s the difference, we make a cardinal sin and they take advantage. They don’t make a cardinal sin and their goalkeeper makes a stunning save from Mika (Ndjoli).”

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