Stewards were amongst those to help out at Priestfield on Saturday Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gills Manager Mark Stimson paid tribute to the people who helped clear the Priestfield pitch just in time for kick-off on Saturday.

Fans, Gillingham coaching staff, youth team players, stewards and even St John Ambulance medical volunteers turned up to help clear around 100 tons of snow from the playing surface.

Stimson’s side rewarded the fans with a 3-1 home win and he was delighted with the team effort.

First team coach Mark Robson (pictured below) was among those helping to shift the snow.

Stimson said: "Full credit to them because they worked their socks off. For me, a big thank you to them because they’ve helped us.

"I turned up just before 10am and there were about 25 volunteers there. Most must have been under the age of 18.

"The players went out there and probably warmed the supporters for the first 45 minutes and, although they didn’t do as well second half, it was a great all-round team performance.

"It’s something you don’t see in the modern day. You call upon the people and you find out the ones who will actually come out there and help.

"Without them, this game wouldn’t have gone ahead and we wouldn’t have got three fantastic points. It sets up the Christmas week now. It’s a lovely feeling to be going into that knowing you’ve won the last game."

The Gills hired plastic covers in the week, which prevented the pitch from freezing and they must now decide whether the buy those permanently.