Gillingham have a score to settle this weekend after losing to Saturday's opponents Bristol City earlier in the month.

Three and a half weeks after the 2-0 defeat in the Capital One Cup, the Gills face the same opponents in League 1 and manager Martin Allen is determined to avenge the disappointment suffered at Priestfield.

He said: “We played so well against Brentford (a fortnight ago) and were unlucky not to win that game and then produced another good performance against Swindon.

“Everyone now realises and feels that they can play and compete at this level and it’s definitely a step up. Since that cup game, I have been looking forward to this game.

“The lads are playing well and there has been a significant change. A lot of people have been clouded by one performance, which was poor (against Wolves) but apart from that, on the whole, they have put in good solid performances.

“This is going to be a special game and to win our first game would be special, in front of our supporters.”

Winning is something the Gills haven’t enjoyed yet this season, from their opening five games. And Allen is hoping this weekend is when that winless run ends.

He said: “We are due to get some breaks but we do have to make things happen. There are a few things we need to improve on as a team and we will. We are getting better and better and it will come."