Barnsley v Gillingham

GILLINGHAM return to action against Barnsley tonight aiming for their first away success of the season.

Ten months have passed since the Gills last experience the taste of victory away from Priestfield, but after some impressive recent displays their chances of ending that run are looking good.

Manager Ronnie Jepson has been encouraged by the response of his players recently, following improved performances at Bournemouth and Huddersfield over the festive period.

Jepson said: "We're looking forward to the game and we've got to approach it in the same way as we have been recently. I thought we could have got something from the game at Bournemouth and we could have won at Huddersfield in the end."

Barnsley have lost just once in their last 16 matches in all competitions and are hot on the heels of the League 1 pace-setters - with just one league defeat at home this season.

While Gillingham took the weekend off, Barnsley were busy earning a 1-1 FA Cup draw with Walsall, but although his side will be fresher Jepson doesn't think it will make much difference.

Jepson said: "I wish we'd had a game on Saturday after the performance at Huddersfield instead we had to kick our heels."

A trio of players are making good progress after injuries, with captain Chris Hope (calf) and striker Darren Byfield (knee) back running on the training ground. Ian Cox (Achilles) has begun to move more freely.

On four previous trips to Yorkshire this season the Gills have failed to register a goal and Jepson admits that the long distances his side are forced to travel hasn't helped them shake off their poor form on the road.

"I think it has an effect," he said. "We do things the right way and prepare properly but there's a lot of northern teams in this league."