Gillingham boss Steve Evans is up for the fight after a tough run of results.

He takes his side to Crewe tonight hoping to put an end to a five-game losing streak in League 1.

It’s a run that has seen his team drop from fourth to 17th.

“Our only option is to work hard and fight,” said Evans, following the weekend loss to Sunderland.

“I have been in the trenches many times when it hasn’t been so good, but I have never lost five in a row in my career.

“You don’t sleep, all the stuff managers and staff go through, you get up in the morning, you come in and go again, that is the plan.

“We will have a look at personnel and we will shape a side for Crewe who have very good side, particularly at home.”

Gillingham have played some quality sides of late, taking on the likes of Oxford, Portsmouth, Fleetwood, Ipswich and Sunderland during a tough October.

Crewe were promoted from League 2 last season but have lost three of their last four, failing to find the net in their previous two outings.

The Gills, without a point from their last five, will hope Tuesday night is the start of better fortunes. They play Lincoln (in third) and Charlton (fifth) in their next two league outings.

Evans, speaking after the loss to Sunderland, said: “It is my job to lift the boys. Prior to my arrival I used to come and watch Gillingham games and they were terrible to watch but people would have sat at home thinking what another good performance (against Sunderland).

“We are in that spell, we need to take it and understand it, but we need to turn it around.”

Gillingham’s injuries at least appear to be easing. Ryan Jackson started on Saturday despite initial fears he could be out for four to six weeks, while captain Kyle Dempsey has also played 90 minutes following an injury-plagued start to life with the Gills.

Loan goalkeeper Joe Lumley will play again after regular stopper Jack Bonham was left out because of concussion. The Gills will be missing Alex MacDonald after his dismissal on Saturday for a reckless challenge. He’s out for three games.

Evans said: “We are looking better, Dempsey came through another solid 90 minutes, Vadaine hasn’t been 100% but he has come through unaffected, but sadly I can’t do an operation on MacDonald’s brain.”

The Gills boss, speaking on Sunday, added: “I can assure everyone the atmosphere in the camp will be as positive as it was when we made an excellent start to the season.”

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