Manager Andy Hessenthaler is demanding improvements to Gillingham’s defending when they take to the road again on Saturday.

The Gills have yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels this season and have the worst defensive away record in the top half of League 2.

With 17 goals conceded from their nine away trips, the Gills manager knows they need to shape up, starting at Aldershot.

Hessenthaler, pictured, said: "Perhaps we go away a lot more relaxed and the players play with more freedom. That ends up meaning we are not as solid as we should be.

"At home, teams come to our place and play a bit more withdrawn, so it does become a tight game. We need to adjust and be more solid away from home earlier on."

Hessenthaler’s hopes of keeping it tight are not helped by the suspension of captain Andy Frampton, who picked up a fifth booking at Bournemouth.

Battling to replace him are Simon King and Garry Richards, but both are carrying knocks.

Connor Essam could be called up if neither make it, but the young defender has yet to appear in Gillingham’s first team.

Hessenthaler said: "It’s about giving people opportunities and we wouldn’t disregard Connor. He played well last week against West Ham, especially in the second half, and has staked a claim."

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