A snow covered County Ground earlier in the week

Gillingham boss Mark Stimson knows it will be a tough ask for his team to get near their opening day win when they play Swindon on Saturday.

The Gills beat Swindon 5-0 at Priestfield at the start of the season but their opponents are now sixth in League 1.

"On the day it was a fantastic performance and the result was outstanding," said Stimson.

"We need to stop them playing. The higher up you go, people who have time and space will play and you have to stop it."

Stimson added: "Everyone has to be on the button like they were at Exeter."

The 1-1 draw at Exeter on December 28 was the last time Gillingham played.

Stimson’s injury list hasn’t shrunk but three players are nearing a return to action.

Garry Richards and Andy Barcham are close but on Saturday will be too soon. Danny Jackman is not far behind the other two.

A pitch inspection is expected on Friday to see if the game can go-ahead.

Gillingham’s last three matches have been postponed and staff at Swindon’s County Ground were working tirelessly to remove several inches of snow from the pitch.