Gillingham boss Mark Stimson has described Saturday's promotion clash as the perfect tonic to get over last weekend’s disappointment in Grimsby.

A 3-0 defeat ended Gillingham’s eight-game unbeaten run in League 2 but they remain in third place heading into the game against rivals and current leaders Brentford.

Around 1,800 Gillingham fans are expected to make the short trip to West London and Stimson is relishing the clash.

He said: “It’s a great game to be involved in, especially where the two teams are.

“It’s exciting times now and we’ve just got to make sure the players are focused on what they have to do – to get something out of the game.

“This is the perfect game for us now. If you are a player, after that defeat against Grimsby you look at your next fixture and it’s Brentford away. They are top of the league and there is no better incentive.”

Tempers flared the last time the sides met in December and Gillingham were hit with a £1,500 fine from the Football Association after players from both sides clashed.

Gills defender Garry Richards was later hit with a three-match ban after Brentford boss Andy Scott made a complaint to the FA after the game, something that Stimson hasn’t forgotten.

He said: “You never forget. I don’t think I will shake his hand if I’m honest – he’s not my type of person.

“We’ve all got different morals and are brought up different ways. He’s been brought up that way and good luck to him.”

Stimson will hand on-loan Charlton midfielder Josh Wright his debut against Brentford after the 19-year-old signed for the remainder of the season.

“He’s a thinker who has a good range of passing and that’s something we’ve lacked from the centre of the pitch,” said Stimson.