Gillingham head to Accrington Stanley this weekend knowing a win could go a long way to securing their League One status.

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.

Gillingham will have on-loan Watford midfielder Daniel Phillips available again for the trip to the Wham Stadium.

Phillips has served out a three-match suspension after being sent off in the defeat to Bolton, his third red card of the campaign, and made a return to action during Monday’s practice game against Southend.

Midfielder Gerald Sithole (hamstring) and forward Mustapha Carayol (illness) continue to be assessed having missed last weekend’s goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday.

Defender Robbie McKenzie remains out as he recovers from a quad strain suffered in the defeat at Charlton earlier this month.

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.

If his team come under scrutiny in the build-up to this contest, John Colmeman 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.

Accrington will be without goalkeeper Toby Savin through suspension.

Savin was shown a straight red card for a professional foul during the 4-0 defeat at Plymouth so must serve a ban, meaning 19-year-old Liam Isherwood is set to deputise for his full debut.

Midfielder Tommy Leigh continues to see out his own suspension after being dismissed for violent conduct against Charlton.

Wingers John O’Sullivan and Joe Pritchard are stepping up their recovery from hamstring issues, while forward Josh Woods (foot) and Australian defender Jay Rich-Baghuelou (knee) remain unavailable.

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.