GILLINGHAM defender Roland Edge says the club’s main aim is to ensure their Nationwide League Division 1 status, after their Worthington Cup exit at the hands of Southampton in midweek. Edge believes the Gills must quickly put their defeat behind them and make sure they build on last season’s successful campaign.

He said: “To go out is annoying, but really all we want to do is stay in Division 1.”

The young defender is still furious that referee Andy D'Urso gave Saints an early penalty after he tussled with James Beattie at Priestfield on Tuesday.

Television replays showed Edge made little contact with the Saints striker and, although Mr D'Urso originally waved play on, he awarded a penalty after consulting his assistant. Beattie gave his side an eighth minute lead from the resultant spot kick.

Edge said: “I put my arm across, but no more than any other time, and he (Beattie) fell like I chinned him.

“The ref's not given the penalty, the linesman has, and, story of my life, the referee’s changed his mind, but that’s the way it goes.”

Meanwhile, ex-Gills midfielder Mark Dempsey, now playing for Irish side Shelbourne, is being lined up for a return to England.

Dempsey, a Gills player for four years in the early 1990s, could be set for a move to Division 3 outfit Carlisle.