Gillingham manager Mark Stimson admitted he was unlikely to ever win over the fans after a chorus of boos greeted him and his players at the end of Tuesday night’s game.

Lincoln ended Gillingham’s long unbeaten home record in the league – which stretched back to August – with a stoppage time winner for a 2-1 success.

That prompted a vociferous reaction from the home fans who had not witnessed a defeat in their previous 12 home league matches.

“The reaction wasn’t warranted,” said Stimson. “People pay their money and have a right to express their views and we’ll take it on board but sometimes you think 'come and enjoy it and get behind us, they all make mistakes.'

“It’s easy to be negative and to get on people’s backs and it takes someone with a bit of sense and a proper man to support someone when it’s not going right.

“I won’t ever win them over, but that’s not a problem. Unfortunately here, where I sit, there are a couple of guys who sit just behind and they just keep on and on.

“Stay at home and have a row with their missus if they are married and if not watch the tele. The players didn’t deserve that boo at the end. If they did I would be the first one to say boo them.”

Stimson has struggled to win the fans backing since he took over the job, but he insists the lack of support won’t stop him.

“I get a mad kick out of it when people boo me,” he said. “I’ve been booed at 5-0 up, I had a man running to me and saying why aren’t they going forward. We move on.

“I’m not really worried about the encouragement from the supporters. It won’t change how I think the game should be played and it’s just unfortunate we have to put up with them and listen to them. It’s strange.”