Chairman Paul Scally says he is confident the Gills will bounce back from last weekend’s 'unacceptable' performance.

The Gills were beaten 2-0 at home by fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town.

Mr Scally, writing in the matchday programme before Saturday’s game against Plymouth, admitted he could not defend his team from that performance.

He said: “We were hoping to be celebrating following (last) Saturday’s game against Shrewsbury but instead endured an incredibly disappointing 90 minutes.

“It was a very poor performance, not acceptable and if our ambitions are to pack Priestfield then we need to see a major improvement all round for the remaining games of the season, and beyond.

“I can’t defend the indefensible but, knowing the players as I do, I am confident they have it within themselves to put right the wrongs and bounce back strongly.

“There are no cheats in the squad and the players would have been hurting like we all were.

“We look forward now with anticipation and I have no doubt they will take to the field with determination, professionalism and passion.

“The players do not purposely perform badly, they will have off days from time to time because that is the reality of the game, however I just feel we were nowhere near the standards we have set ourselves in previous matches and we need to ensure we don’t produce such a performance again.

“I fully expect a reaction. Supporters deserve a positive performance.”

Boss Steve Lovell has made just one change to his starting line-up, with Regan Charles-Cook replacing injured Graham Burke (infected foot).

Gillingham have won the last eight games against Plymouth at Priestfield and a win on Saturday should secure their League 1 status for another season.

The Gills are hoping a good end to the season will help encourage more people to snap up discounted season tickets. Early bird prices remain until the end of the month.

Mr Scally says that 18% of current applications are not currently season ticket holders. The club hope to sell at least 3,000 of them ahead of next season.