When Gillingham appointed Neil Harris as their new manager at the end of January, it was regarded as a significant coup, one which gave the club a lift after failing to win in 17 matches in all competitions.
Since then, Harris has accumulated 15 points from his 11 games in charge, the 11th-best return during that period, and it has given the Kent-based squad a chance of survival.
As it stands, Gillingham still sit just one point outside of the drop zone having played one game more than 21st-placed AFC Wimbledon, but there is a feeling that they are well set to pull clear over the coming weeks.
Most importantly since his arrival, Harris has avoided back-to-back defeats, and another impressive point was added to their tally as they held Sheffield Wednesday to a goalless draw on March 19.
Despite just one goal being scored in four outings, clean sheets are becoming a regular occurrence, as many as six being posted since the beginning of February.
As far as Accrington are concerned, they head into this game having suffered their second 4-0 defeat in the space of four games, this setback coming at Plymouth Argyle.
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If his team come under scrutiny in the build-up to this contest, John Coleman can point to seven points still coming from five games, but it cannot be denied that there is a vulnerability about his team.
Fortunately for the North-West outfit, they have already reached the 50-point mark with eight matches remaining, effectively ensuring that they will remain at the third tier for a fourth successive campaign.
Nevertheless, still 17 points short of last season’s total, Coleman will demand a strong end to the season as they attempt to close down the teams in 10th and 11th position
