Max Ehmer believes Gillingham have to take some more gambles in attack.

While Gills have certainly been more solid this season, it has been their lack of creativity up front that has been the problem this time around.

Ehmer’s late free-kick in their Checktrade Trophy match at Colchester was the only goal they have scored in their last five games.

They went down to a 1-0 loss at home to Portsmouth on Sunday, without a shot on target.

“That is where we have struggled,” Ehmer said.

“We are not being fluid enough up front, whether that is people being scared to lose the ball.

“We need to play with a bit more freedom. People have got to be prepared to take risks and try something - if it doesn’t come off, it doesn’t come off. That is what we need to try and do.

“We have to start creating more chances because we can’t go into games trying to hold out for a 0-0 draw, it’s not enough. We have to score goals and that is what we are trying to do.”

Reflecting on the latest setback, Ehmer said: “We’re frustrated and upset. We weren’t good enough all over the park, but we still had chances.

“There was a penalty which I am hearing was clear-cut and Josh Parker had a goal disallowed, whether or not it was offside I don’t know. I haven’t seen it back. They didn’t have any real chances but they won 1-0 and that is frustrating.

“We are not doing something right throughout the 90 minutes to be winning games, so we can only look at ourselves and move on.”

Ehmer finished Sunday’s game playing alongside two teenagers, in Jack Tucker and Finn O’Mara, and while both held their own, the German centre-back knows there is no substitute for experience.

He said: “We are low on numbers throughout the team and we need players back asap.

“Jack and Finn have done well, but injuries and suspension are hurting us. We need to get those players back and wins on the board.”