Gillingham promotion odds slashed in the betting market after three-game winning streak in League Two

Gareth Ainsworth wanted Gillingham to stay under the radar this season – but their impressive run of form has made sure that’s no longer an option.

The Gills have gone from outsiders to one of the most heavily backed teams for promotion after winning their last three games and scoring nine goals in the process.

Their latest success, Saturday’s impressive 3-0 victory over Bristol Rovers at Priestfield, has sparked a significant surge in promotion bets on Ainsworth’s side.

According to betting comparison site Oddschecker, Gillingham attracted 20 per cent of all promotion bets this week, more than any other League Two club.

Their promotion odds have subsequently been slashed from 18/1 to 9/1.

Oddschecker spokesman Chris Rogers said: “Bettors have flocked to Gillingham this week in the League Two promotion market.

“The Gills have attracted 20% of promotion bets after a strong start to the season. The bookies have cut Gillingham's promotion odds from 18/1 to 9/1 as Gareth Ainsworth's team prepares for a tough trip to York on Saturday.”

It is quite a turnaround from the opening day, when Gillingham were beaten 3-0 at home by Walsall.

They followed that defeat with three successive draws but have since hit their stride, beating Rochdale 4-1, Tranmere 2-0 and then Rovers 3-0.

The Gills scored nine goals in those three victories, wins that have propelled them from 11th to fourth in the table, with Ainsworth’s side now just three points off top spot.

The manager had been keen to keep his team away from the spotlight during the early weeks of the campaign, pointing out that there was still a long way to go before the League Two picture became clearer.

Speaking before Saturday’s win, Ainsworth said: “It's a hell of a long way to go