GILLINGHAM boss Andy Hessenthaler faces his former club Watford at Priestfield on Saturday confessing the need to fire up the supporters as Gillingham seek a first home win since August 17.

The ground’s lack of atmosphere on match days has become a cause of concern, not only for the players but many supporters.

The Gills boss recently said the side pass the ball better away from home while many fans believe the volume of noise generated at away grounds is far louder than at home.

“While it has become a bit quiet at home, and we’re certainly not passing the ball as well as we can at Priestfield, I believe it’s up to the team to spark the fans,” said the Gills manager. "We need to go on a decent run to kick-start things and get ourselves back up the table.”

With Rod Wallace rated no better than 60-40 against being fit after suffering a hamstring strain in training, Hessenthaler could be forced into at least one change.

Mamady Sidibe, whom the manager envisaged putting on the bench, could be thrust into the starting line-up. Alternatively, Tommy Johnson may start.

Striker Guy Ipoua's one-match suspension keeps him out of next Saturday's trip to Ipswich.