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Connor Ogilvie believes the togetherness within Gillingham’s squad has been a key factor behind their superb unbeaten run in League 1.
The Gills have not tasted defeat in the league in 14 matches since their 1-0 loss away to AFC Wimbledon on November 23.
Steve Evans’ men continued their impressive form with a 1-0 victory at Southend on Tuesday with Ogilvie scoring a second-half winner.
When asked what he felt the secret was behind the run, defender Ogilvie replied: “Just togetherness and hard work.
“I think we are a really tight-knit group.
“Everyone works hard for each other and I think that’s showing out on the pitch with the 14-game unbeaten run.”
Ogilvie headed home a right-wing delivery from Wolves loan man Jordan Graham but the Gills were far from their best against struggling Southend.
“Yeah, it was on the money,” Ogilvie said, describing Graham’s cross.
“Luckily, I was able to get in front of the keeper to put it into the back of the net.”
Gillingham were roared on by 877 away supporters out of the crowd of 6,021 who made the journey to Essex despite the poor weather and traffic problems.
Ogilvie added: “They didn’t stop singing the whole game.
“They were excellent and I can’t thank them enough for coming down.”
Gillingham will be back on the road this Saturday when they visit Lincoln – and Ogilvie hopes the side can serve up a better performance for those who make the trip to Sincil Bank.
He admitted: “We were not at our best (at Southend).
“We know what we have in the changing room, we know what we are about and you’ve seen that in previous games.
“We weren’t at our best but we got the win and that’s the main thing.
“Hopefully we can improve on Saturday, and we can keep this run going.”
Now managed by Michael Appleton, Lincoln are 15th in the league and suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat at Accrington last Saturday.
“It will be a tough game, and it’s a must-win if we want to be pushing for the play-offs,” predicted Ogilvie.
“We have to be picking up points all the time, otherwise we will drift.
“That’s what we have been doing of late, picking up points, getting the wins and getting the draws, and it’s been working.”
The Imps have developed a reputation as a physical side but Ogilvie added: “That’s what we are so it will be a good battle.
“Hopefully, we will come out on top.”
Ogilvie will also hope to be part of a Gillingham defence which can keep their fifth clean sheet since the turn of the year at Lincoln.
He said: “We have got another clean sheet here which is excellent, and we are building on a solid back five.
“But it’s the whole team (that needs to help the side defend).
"Everyone works hard for each other and that’s the main thing.”
