By Luke Cawdell

Mark Stimson believes his players’ lack of fear could pay dividends as Gillingham continue their battle to avoid the drop.

The Gills have not lost to any of the top League 1 sides at home this season and manager Stimson, pictured, isn’t expecting his players to be daunted by play-off chasing MK Dons on Saturday.

Stimson’s side have still to play big-spending Southampton and promotion hopefuls Leeds at home in their final nine games in a flurry of fixtures that also includes a trip to leaders Norwich and rivals Millwall.

"If you look at the remaining fixtures, all you see is big names and big teams," said Stimson.

"But if you look at the past and the big games we’ve played, we’ve done well. That should put us in good stead and put no fear into us.

"It’s so easy to get motivated against the big teams. The atmosphere is there and so are the crowds, while the names on the opposition team sheets stand out and look at you.

"Luckily enough, so far we’ve had players up for the challenge and hopefully it can continue."

The Gills have a home record any of the top teams would be proud of – nine wins, six draws and only three defeats in 18 games – and none of the sides in the top half of League 1 have so far left with maximum points.

"It’s a run we want to try and maintain," added Stimson.