Unbeaten Gills Look to Clip Magpies’ Wings

So, it's back to Priestfield this weekend as we get ready to take on Notts County. We’re sitting top of League Two, still unbeaten after seven games, and the confidence is flying high after that mad 2-2 comeback at Bromley last Saturday. With the momentum we've got and a big crowd expected, Ainsworth's Gills are looking to get the job done against an in-form Magpies side.

Bromley Wake-Up Call

You see the usual stuff in the local press – they’re praising our strong start but also telling everyone not to get carried away. Kent Online pointed out that we’ve started fast in the last two seasons only to fall away (finishing 11th and 17th). We all know it, and it seems the players do too.

Max Clark, who slotted away that brilliant 98th-minute equaliser at Bromley, was quick to say “it’s so early… we’re not going ahead of ourselves.” He said the team is just looking at the “next challenge,” which is exactly what you want to hear.

Even though our unbeaten run is now at 16 games under Ainsworth, he wasn't entirely happy with the Bromley performance. After going two goals down so early, he promised the team a tough video session to sort out those defensive mistakes. He wants us to cut out the slow starts and make Priestfield a real fortress. Luke Cawdell reported that Ainsworth is wary of “an improving Notts County,” so there’s no complacency there. Having no midweek game has given the boys a bit of extra time to rest up, work on things, and maybe even get the new signings more match ready.

Belief Brewing (and #Project8000)

The feeling around the club right now is brilliant. You’ve probably seen #Project8000 doing the rounds on X (Twitter), with everyone trying to get an 8,000-strong crowd in for this one.

Fans are really getting behind the team, like Warren Taylor (@WarrenT88801465) who urged fellow supporters to "give Gareth, Dobbo and the boys a top attendance on Saturday," adding that the "crowd was a big part of our comeback against Bromley." Craig Ridley (@ridleycrag1) summed up the mood perfectly, listing all the reasons to "PACK FORTRESS PRIESTFIELD": we're top of the league, 19 games unbeaten, have scored in every game this season, and the players "fight to the final whistle." He also gave a nod to owners @BradGalinson and @ShannonGalinson for making it a proper community club again.

And for those who love their stats, Haydn Parry (@HaydnParry) put into perspective just how good this start is. He pointed out that Ainsworth's league record is now 7 wins, 9 draws, and 0 losses, which translates to an 86-point pace over a full season. In the club's 132-year history, only Martin Allen (@MartinAllen1965) has had a better start as Gills manager.

The Lowdown on Notts County: The 'Dennis' Menace

Notts County are coming down here in 10th place, but don't let that fool you – they’re on their own hot streak. After a shaky start with their new head coach Martin Paterson, they've now won three league games on the bounce.

Paterson admitted they “didn’t play great football” in their scrappy 1-0 win over Fleetwood last weekend, but he was buzzing about his team's spirit. That was their third win in a row and it’s pushed them right up the table.

The big danger man we need to watch is their striker, Matthew Dennis. The lad is on fire, with six goals in five games, making him the top scorer in League Two. He's got pace and knows where the goal is – a proper Dennis the Menace for defenders. They’ve scored 12 goals in seven games, so our back line will be tested. And let’s not forget, they turned us over at Priestfield last season, so they won’t be scared of coming here. It’s got all the makings of a really tough game.

German Gills Prediction

Priestfield is starting to feel like a proper fortress again, and we’ll be desperate to protect our unbeaten home record. But with Notts County’s form and their firepower, this could be our toughest test of the season so far.

These games have a history of producing goals, and with both teams full of confidence, it should be an open contest. The key for us will be starting on the front foot (unlike last week!) and making sure we keep their star striker quiet. If we can tighten up early on, I think our own attack and the noise from the home crowd will be enough to see us through. It might be a nervy one, but I’m backing the Gills to extend the run.

Score Prediction: Gillingham 2–1 Notts County