The Great Escape?

Last updated : 23 March 2008 By Simon Head

For Gillingham, another season of transition has seen the club fall to a level we've not seen since the mid 90s. Sat on 39 points with eight games remaining, the Gills are now relying on other results going their way if they are to stay up. A home defeat against Crewe could prove crucial, but there are still enough games left for Mark Stimson's side to save themselves.

But make no mistake, Gillingham have had a wretched season. The only saving grace is the fact that there are at least three other teams having an even worst time of it.

Port Vale, rooted to the bottom of the table on 26 points, have had a nightmare season and could become the first team anywhere in the top four divisions to be relegated if they lose to Gillingham on Monday and results elsewhere go against them. Sat 17 points adrift of safety, they are dead men walking.

Then, both on 29 points, are Luton and Bourmouth, in 22nd and 23rd respectively. Both sides have fallen into administration this season, costing them 10 points each. Those points deductions will almost certainly seal their relegation. Without them, they'd be duking it out with Gillingham, Crewe, Cheltenham and Millwall for League One survival.

Gillingham (39 pts with 6 games remaining) currently occupy the final relegation place in 21st, but they are still in striking distance of Crewe (43 pts with 5 remaining) Cheltenham and Millwall (both 44 pts with 5 remaining).

But with Crewe, Cheltenham and Millwall all above Gillingham in the form table, the tide needs to turn in the Gills' favour if they are to stay up. Only time will tell whether their win over Bournemouth was be the start of Gillingham's great escape...