Andy Frampton is a fitness doubt for the trip north

A week of soul searching ends for Gillingham on Saturday as they attempt to halt an alarming slump in form at Accrington Stanley.

Since beating League Two leaders Crawley Town on Boxing Day, Andy Hessenthaler’s men have picked up just three points from a possible 12 in the league. It reached a new low last weekend when a 3-1 lead was squandered as AFC Wimbledon hit back to win 4-3 at Priestfield.

The squad were hauled in on Sunday to watch the match in full and Hessenthaler is hoping a period of introspection will provide the catalyst for a return to form.

He said: “It was only four games ago that we weren’t shipping goals like this and everybody was happy. That’s why I never get carried away when we’re on a decent run, because the last few weeks have proved how fast things can change.

“It’s not as if we’ve changed the personnel much, it’s the same set of players, so what’s going on? That’s the worrying thing and we’ve got to make sure we nip it in the bud - that’s why we had the meeting on Sunday.”

The main selection issues are in the back four, which bore the brunt of the criticism last weekend. Teenage defender Connor Essam is due to be recalled from Dartford and is in line for a debut, while Andy Frampton (hamstring) is a doubt.

Accrington is not an ideal destination for a squad attempting to regain their confidence. The Lancashire club are just behind the Gills in the race for the play-offs, are in good form and won 7-4 the last time the sides met at the Crown Ground, 15 months ago.

It is a challenge Hessenthaler is demanding his side overcome and the Gills boss does not believe the disruption to the hosts caused by long-serving manager John Coleman’s exit to Rochdale this week will necessarily help.

He said: “It’s one of the toughest places, but if you’re going to achieve something you have to pick up points from these difficult places. It could be even tougher with their manager going, sometimes when a manager goes you see them win the next game. Let’s hope it’s not the case.

“It will test our neve. Can we handle it? We’ve got to make sure we do.”

Photo by ADY KERRY