by Luke Cawdell

An injury to Matt Fish meant that regular attacking midfielder Chris Whelpdale was asked to fill in at right-back on Saturday.

Whelpdale, pictured, slotted in well and Gillingham boss Martin Allen insists the luxury of being able to switch players at will doesn’t come through luck.

“That’s all been practiced on the training ground and we work long hours,” he said.

“Sometimes when we put together a back four we have Whelpdale at right-back, Burton at centre-back and Myles Weston at left-back and the other centre-back could be Charlie Allen.

“We practice as a back four with those sorts of players and everyone has a go at defending. We do it through the whole squad.

“On the days when we don’t have a midweek game, we all practice and work so we have an understanding of each other’s job. If they have to slide back in it is easily done.”