Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth targets points improvement as promotion hopes fade away for another season

Gillingham’s promotion hopes look over but the manager is still setting targets for his team.

The Gills won’t be giving up on anything while it’s mathematically possible, and manager Gareth Ainsworth needs to try and keep the season alive, even if many have already written it off.

Ainsworth is trying to turn the Gills around with a two-year plan but his first full season looks like ending with a battle to finish in the top half. He’ll be hoping to at least beat last season’s finish.

Speaking after a disappointing home draw with Fleetwood on Saturday, the Gills boss said: “I want to beat last year's [points] total if I can. We've had a lot of injuries this year, a lot of bad luck.

“We'll keep going and looking forward to the next game.

“We'll be a different animal next season, without a doubt. But this season, let's keep pushing. Let's keep working.

“Let's go again on Tuesday and see if we can beat MK Dons and have a say in what happens at the top of the league.”

The Gills finished 17th last season with 58 points.

Gillingham should beat that finish with the 12 games they have left although on current form it won’t be by much. Ainsworth’s side sits 16th on 45 points after the weekend game.

The Gills have a tough run of games coming up.

They host second-placed MK Dons tomorrow (Saturday) night and head to Cambridge City on Saturday. Neil Harris’ side are third in the table on goal difference.

Swindon Town are the visitors next Tuesday (March 17) before old boss Steve Evans brings his Bristol Rovers team to Priestfield on Saturday, March 21.

Ainsworth said: “You're in this game for challenges, it's a hell of a challenge (the next three games) but I'm sure we can step up and have a say in what happens at the top end of the