The odds are stacked against Gillingham in Thursday’s area final second leg at Bristol City but coach Steve Lovell insists the side won’t be going out without a fight.

Gillingham must overcome a two-goal deficit to reach Wembley in the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“We are not thinking anything but winning,” said Lovell, as the Gills look to overcome a 4-2 first-leg defeat.

“It’s a chance of going to Wembley and one goal could change the tie.

“Some people down there (in Bristol) are thinking we are already out of it but as far as we are concerned we are going there to win the game.

“We will have a go, we have everything to gain and the boys have won two in a row. The belief is there."

City have already beaten the Gills three times this season, knocking them out of the FA Cup, beating them in the league and winning the area final first leg.

Striker Matt Smith scored all four goals for City in the first leg and on Tuesday agreed to a loan extension from Fulham, meaning he is available again. Smith also scored twice in City's 3-1 league win at Priestfield.

All three previous games were at Priestfield and now the Gills must travel to Bristol, hoping to pull off a shock in a match which will be televised live on Sky Sports.

“They are a very good side and everyone can see that,” said Lovell.

“When we played them in the first leg it we had the chance of going 3-3 and if we get at them I think we can cause them problems.

“When they get the ball they are very good and they have some excellent players. But there is no reason we can’t get an early goal and then we will see what they are made of.”

The game will be decided on penalties if the tie is level on aggregate after 90 minutes. There is no “away goals” rule.

Gillingham last played at Wembley in 2009 when they won the League 2 play-off final.

“To go there again would be a marvellous achievement,” said Lovell.

“Everyone would love the day out but a lot of hard work has to be done between now and Thursday to make sure we have an opportunity of that.

“We are not getting carried away with anything. We have had two good wins but Thursday is going to be a day where we have to be on our mettle against a very good Bristol side.”