Manager Steve Evans has thanked the Gillingham fans for getting behind his team during a difficult period.

There has been plenty of protest talk in recent weeks - mostly aimed at the chairman - but the Gills fans have been giving the players their full backing.

Evans appreciates that backing, saying: “A special credit goes to the supporters, they were criticised for excessive demonstrations, whatever it is, against our chairman. In the last two or three games, home and away, they have been outstanding.

“Against Accrington they might have been low on numbers, there were reasons for that, half-term etcetera, but the noise didn’t feel like that and even the Accrington staff remarked on it, in the office, saying ‘wow, your home end last 10 minutes, it was brilliant’.

“I want to thank them and ask them to keep it up because we need them.”

Evans will be hoping a ticket offer this weekend helps bring in the fans. The club are charging adults £10 for admission, it’s £5 for concessions and under-12s can go free with a full-paying adult. A move to a 2pm kick off - announced on Monday - had a mixed response from fans.

Gillingham say that 90% of fans are now purchasing their tickets through their new online system but say that following feedback from supporters that have agreed to open their ticket office at Priestfield every Friday between 10am and 4pm and on weekend matchdays from 12pm (9am for midweek matches). Tickets can also be purchased over the phone on 01634 300000.

Read more on the Gills;

• Defender wants some more cup magic

• Youth team blow it in cup contest

• Gills boss glad of the midweek break