Paulo Gazzaniga is likely to make his first league start for Gillingham

The result takes precedence over the performance this weekend as Gillingham attempt to halt a disastrous sequence of results which is threatening their promotion hopes.

A run of four defeats in five games has seen the club slip to 10th in League Two, falling out of the play-off places and well adrift of the automatic promotion contenders.

The side plumbed new depths last weekend, when they were 4-1 down to Accrington Stanley by half-time. Despite fighting back after the break, a second successive 4-3 defeat did nothing to improve the mood.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler is again left hoping for a response from his players and admitted he would willingly sacrifice style for substance when struggling Hereford United visit Priestfield on Saturday.

“We talk about wars, it’s going to be a war again on Saturday,” he said.

“When you’re on the run we’ve been on it doesn’t matter how you get a result. Sometimes it’s got to be like that, you’ve got to grind out a result. We’ve done that a few times this season and it’s about getting back to that winning mentality again.”

Hessenthaler made just one change to the starting line-up last weekend, but hinted he was prepared to make more alterations against the Bulls, with a particular emphasis on younger players.

Paulo Gazzaniga is expected to be handed his first league start after replacing goalkeeper Ross Flitney during the interval at Accrington. Fellow teenagers Connor Essam and Jack Evans have also be recalled from loans at Dartford and Welling United respectively in a bid to send a message to more experienced team-mates.

Hessenthaler said: “Do you throw them in at the deep end so they can show us what they can do and give a few other players a kick up the backside who have been a bit comfortable?

“Maybe that’s the answer and there could be some changes at the weekend.”

Jack Payne (ankle) and Dennis Oli (virus) are expected to miss out, but Chris Whelpdale (knee) should be available for selection.

Photo by ADY KERRY