Manager Mark Bonner isn’t accepting a lack of confidence as an excuse for Gillingham’s current woes.

The Gills failed to take maximum points from their weekend trip to Swindon despite leading after 16 minutes and playing against ten men for over 80.

Gillingham, who host League 1 Blackpool in the FA cup first round this Saturday. aren’t being ruthless enough, an issue that cost them a much-needed win against their old rivals.

Bonner was asked if their losing run prior to the weekend could have had an affect on their confidence in front of goal but he said: “No, I don't think so. Some of the players didn't play in those games.

“I think those moments have been in all our games this year. That's why we haven't been a high-scoring team yet. We've just got to be better in those situations.

“Confidence is a cheap excuse for anybody that uses it.

“We talk about managing the game and there's lots of ways of doing that. One of them is murdering them and killing them when it's yours to take. You have to take the game from them. Otherwise, you give them a chance.

“We ended up giving them a chance because we didn't get that one (goal) to extend it with.

“Obviously, there is always an element of tension going into the game because of the rivalry, because of the run as well. There is an element of that in the team. There's no question about that. That is obvious because we're desperate to have not got beat.”

Gillingham went into Saturday’s game with five straight defeats behind them. The draw at least ensured they ended October with one point to their name.

“We've taken a point where we should have taken three,” said the manager.

“In the run of games, we're probably a few shorter where we need to be.

“The game was there for us and the opportunity early on with the sending off and then scoring the goal and getting complete control of the game. We needed a bit more to really make that count.

“We did have some good chances and that's what happens if you don't take them.”

Gillingham had big striker Josh Andrews back on Saturday, making only his third league appearance of the season as he was introduced off the bench. Armani Little also overcome an injury to play some minutes in the second half.

Bonner said: “It'll probably take a bit of time with him (Andrews), but it's good to have him as an option.

“It's good to have Armani back as well. He gives us a really good energy as well. We had a good bench and there are good players not getting on the pitch. There's competition building, which is important.

“Also, players have got work to get in it because we're in a situation where we've got to find a formula to win the next game.”