Gillingham striker Ronan Hale scored in their midweek defeat against Cheltenham Town and hopes to take out pain on Saturday’s opponents Grimsby Town

Gillingham striker Ronan Hale hopes they can take the midweek hurt out on their weekend opponents.

The Gills missed an opportunity at Cheltenham on Tuesday night after failing to take their chances, slipping to a 2-1 defeat after Hale’s goal had put them ahead.

It was a 17th league defeat of the season for the Gills, and keeps them 17th in the table ahead of hosting Grimsby Town at Priestfield this Saturday.

Hale’s doing what he can, now with five goals since his January arrival, but it’s all about the team.

“The lads were obviously all very disappointed [after Tuesday night],” he said.

“The first half was probably the best since I’ve been here. We clicked as a team and on another day we [would have been] out of sight, three or four-nil at half-time.

“We’ve not taken our chances, it’s come back to bite us and we’ve come out the wrong end of the game.”

The run ended a mini revival from the underperforming Gills.

“The last few games have been a massive improvement,” said the striker.

“I thought we had the momentum to take three points [at Cheltenham].

“It wasn’t to be. We’ve got to lick our wounds and go again Saturday.

“If we get that many chances again, I’m sure that it will be a different outcome. It’s up to the forwards to take them.

“It’s a long old season and it’s nearly done now. We want to finish as strong as we can.

“Obviously, the boys are a fit bunch as well. Everyone will be raring to go again on Saturday.

“Three games to go and we’re looking at three wins, hopefully. They’ll be tough games, but the lads are more than up for the fight.

“[Tuesday] wasn’t to be but we’ve plenty of time to put it right and put us in good stead for the season coming up.

“I want to finish this season strong and add as many goals as