Gills boss upbeat over promotion

Stimson was appointed Gillingham manager in November 2007

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson remains confident his side can still win promotion to League One despite a shock 3-0 defeat at struggling Grimsby.

Stimson told BBC Radio Kent: "We're not going to start ranting and raving saying 'that's it'.

"We're like many teams in this division - we all think we can get automatic promotion. Unfortunately it's only going to be three [teams who do]."

The result means the Gills have slipped a place to third in League Two.

Stimson added: "We just hope we're one of those three. If not, we have to go the other route [via the play-offs].

This might be a bit of a warning to the players as to what to expect. It's going to be nice and hostile. It'll be packed out to the rafters

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson on the game at Brentford

"We've given ourselves a good chance and we've just got to grab it now."

The defeat at Grimsby ended Gillingham's eight-game unbeaten run.

But Stimson believes the result could be the motivation his players need ahead of their third consecutive away game on Saturday, at leaders Brentford.

"This might be a bit of a warning to the players as to what to expect," said Stimson.

"It's going to be nice and hostile. It'll be packed out to the rafters.

"But if you're a player that's what you want to play in front of and that's when you've got to show that little bit of composure and quality."

BBC Radio Kent will have full match commentary of Brentford v Gillingham on 96.7 and 104.2 FM.