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Gillingham boss Steve Evans won’t be reading anything into the lowly position of weekend visitors Rochdale.
Evans’ side head into Sunday’s match buoyed by an impressive run of form, extending their unbeaten run to five games, after taking a point home from their Boxing Day trip to Ipswich.
Dale lost 3-2 to Fleetwood on Thursday, days after a 3-1 loss to Burton Albion, and they head to Priestfield sitting 19th in the table.
“They will be tough,” said Evans, who watched their game against his former team Boston United in a recent FA Cup encounter.
“They are a terrific passing side. I thought some of their moves in the first half of that game were exceptional.
”They lost to Fleetwood but they are an exceptional side under Joey Barton. The standards in this league are getting tougher aren’t they?”
Prior to those two defeats Dale had surprised many with a 1-0 win at promotion-chasing Rotherham.
Evans said: “It is really tough to put a run of games together but won’t be taking anything for granted against Rochdale.
“We will work hard and the players know the rules. The supporters need to know that when they go home they have seen the players give everything for the cause and that is something we will continue to do.
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“We put maximum effort in to beat MK Dons and we have to work ever so hard every game.
“We had to work hard in preparation for Ipswich, to make sure our shape and system was right. It worked and tactically we were miles ahead. We should have won comfortably, it didn’t happen, but let’s hope one of those chances goes in against Rochdale.
“It’s just about recovery now, to get ready for the match.”
The Gills are kicking off at 1pm and Evans must decide whether to stick of twist. He’s hinted at making changes before but has kept faith with the same starting XI for the last three matches.
A tough Christmas run could give others a look-in.
Evans said: “I have got to freshen it up. It was a difficult pitch (at Ipswich). It was magnificent, but the amount of rain it had taken was incredible, and credit to the ground staff.
“We will get prepared and ready for two tough home games (they Gills face an improving Portsmouth at Priestfield on New Year’s Day).”
Gillingham have won their last six games at home in all competitions, conceding just once in that run. At Ipswich they denied the second placed side a shot at goal.
“It speaks volumes of the performance,” said Evans, reacting to another resolute defensive display.
“We were organised, we were efficient, we were fresh and we believe in our players. We talk to them every day, about what they can achieve.
“All over the pitch we were bright and we were courageous on the ball. I was massively disappointed to have gone home with just a point but by the same token I can only thank my players and I did that, for giving us everything they have, and as a manager you can ask no more.”
