Positions in the League 1 table mean nothing at this stage says Gills boss Justin Edinburgh.

League 1’s leading sides have struggled to string wins together lately as those at the bottom battle for survival and others make a late charge to get involved in the promotion race.

Crewe, who visit Priestfield on Saturday, are second from bottom but held leaders Burton to a 1-1 draw last weekend.

Gillingham boss Edinburgh said: “This will be as difficult as any game we have had this season.

“The form goes out of the window at this stage. On Tuesday night Shrewsbury beat Coventry and Bradford, who have scored the fewest amount of goals at home, played top of the table Burton and won 2-0.

“Chesterfield beat us away and then they go and beat Southend. Colchester go to Bradford and beat them.

“All form is moved out of the way and these next 10 or 11 games are going to be like the start of the season.

“There will be teams that are fighting for points as greatly as we need them to try and gain a different success.

“We are fully aware of what Crewe’s threats are but we have to make sure we worry about ourselves and implement what we are good at out on the pitch this Saturday.”

Leaders Burton would have gone 12 points clear of the Gills with a win in midweek but that loss leaves the gap at nine.

It’s not an insurmountable challenge according to Edinburgh.

He said: “If we didn’t (think we could win it) then I would be disappointed

“That result would have gone down with a cheer in every one of our players’ houses.

“I think it will go down to the wire and I am certainly looking up rather than down.”