Gillingham midfielder Jack Payne believes his side have hit a turning point after beating Torquay United 2-0 on Saturday.

The 20 year old’s return to the starting line up, along with the introduction of Connor Essam, Jack Evans and Paulo Gazzaniga have seen the side claim four points in their last two outings.

Simon King’s return in defence has also been instrumental in Gillingham rediscovering their early season form and now Payne believes his side could push for a play-off place after beating Torquay.

He told the club’s website: “It’s massive for us – we’re all working together and the hard work on the training field is all paying off.

“We knew it was going to be a battle, they were going to come and play a bit but we disrupted them and tried to get it down. It wasn’t the best footballing game but I think we were on top from the start.

“Since Port Vale, which we should have won, you can tell the difference. Everyone is a bit livelier and not down in the dumps any more.

“The last three games we have played really well and the fans have seen that on Saturday and hopefully we do it again Tuesday and go on a run.

“We never thought we were out of the play-offs. It’s a turning point I think.”

Tuesday’s game against Hereford at Priestfield does now hold extra importance for The Gills as they sit six points outside the play-offs with a game in hand.

Should they win that one, they will go to Plymouth on Saturday knowing there is every chance they could finish the weekend back in the top seven with Oxford United entertaining top side Swindon Town.

Picture by Ed Boyden