Home   Kent   Sport   Article

Stimson still harbours hopes of automatic promotion

Mark Stimson says the second half of the season is looking good
Mark Stimson says the second half of the season is looking good

Gills boss Mark Stimson still has one eye on an automatic promotion spot from League 2.

A 1-1 draw against leaders Wycombe on Sunday leaves the Gills in 10th place, five points behind third-place Bradford.

Stimson said: "After the result against Wycombe, it is a new beginning because of Boxing Day’s horrible performance and result.

"At the beginning of the season, us and 12 others were probably thinking about automatic promotion. That’s what we’ll continue to aim for. If we don’t get that and we make the play-offs, then so be it.

"The second half of the season is looking good but the only way it will be is if we go and produce like we did on Sunday."

Stimson was full of praise for Curtis Weston after the midfielder opened his account for the Gills.

He added: "Curtis had a chance in the first half which got cleared off the line. In the second half, he had two or three more chances which he scuffed but in the end he showed good technique and their keeper had no chance with the goal."

With Barry Fuller suspended and Nicky Southall cup-tied, Stimson looks likely to hand Stuart Lewis a starting place against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

He said: "I thought Stuart did well at right-back. He has played there once or twice as a youngster and I felt he helped Nicky Southall play higher up the pitch.

"The goal against us was comical. It was one of those which you don’t see often in a season. But he got over that and although he had a tricky winger against him, they didn’t get any change."

Lewis could face competition from Jack Payne, who is a product of the club’s youth system.

Stimson said: "Jack has played at right back for the reserves on a couple of occasions. He was on the bench against Wycombe just in case it wasn’t working out for Stuart. What a day it’ll be for him.

"He’s just turned 17, is a scholar at the club, and at worst he’ll be on the bench (against Villa)."

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More