Gillingham defender Omar Beckles looks ahead to home game against Newport County after weekend defeat at York City

Gillingham defender Omar Beckles says Saturday’s defeat at York has given the Gills the perfect chance to show their character against Newport County.

The Gills return to Priestfield on Saturday looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat at York that ended a six-game unbeaten run.

Beckles admits the result was difficult to take but says there is little point dwelling on it, with Gillingham now focused on putting things right.

“This is an opportunity to bounce back,” he said. “I've been a part of teams that have got out of this league. This is a great opportunity for us to show what we're made of, that character.

“Because that's what really defines you. It's not just those [winning] runs. It's about actually bouncing back when you have those defeats. We're excited to put that right.

“You can't dwell on it. It's that saying in football that everyone knows. Never too high, never too low.

“We are not defined by that defeat, to say the least. In the same way we weren't defined by the defeat against Walsall [a 3-0 loss on the opening weekend]. What we are defined by is how we bounce back as a group, how we get together.

“We're going to face adversity. It's going to be a rollercoaster of a season.

“We've been under a lot. If you look at the injury room and the names and the list of players that have been in that injury room so far, we are without some big players, characters, leaders. And we've been able to do what we've done so far.

“We're a work in progress. I'm sure the fans understand that. I'm sure they'll stick by us.

“We'll find our rhythm. We've got so many people that are coming back. We've got a lot of young lads that are also learning their trade in the Football League, like breaking into men's football.

“And we've