Pitchero Non League

....Western League Premier Division.

The former West Brom, Yeovil, Rushden & Diamonds and Hereford striker had targeted a top two finish with the Dorset outfit in the First Division but will have to settle for third at best.

Foster admitted he had considered leaving Hardings Lane but had a change of heart following a conversation with chairman Dave Graham.

The 42-year-old said: "I was contemplating on packing it in, but I've had a change of heart and spoken to the chairman and they don't want me to leave. We've had an exceptional season, but unfortunately when it has mattered it hasn't happened for us."

Gillingham entered last Saturday's clash with Keynsham Town fourteen points adrift of second-placed Melksham and nineteen points off of leaders Cadbury Heath.

Foster rued injuries and suspensions but refused to use that in an excuse in their failed bid to climb, instead blaming a leaky defence.

"I'm just disappointed really that when we've needed to step up against the better sides we've either had suspensions or injuries.

"The three games against Almondsbury UWE, Elmore and Welton Rovers have killed us - we've had five out and then three out but saying that we still should have won," said a reflective Gills manager.

"The difference is this season we've scored a lot of goals but we've conceded too many again. It's evident we need to strengthen at the back, and it's just frustrating that we're not going to achieve promotion now."

Despite currently in third place, the former Chard Town boss backed his side's attacking approach to games. He added that his team will also benefit from the extended availability of Romanian defender Rus Alin-Yaler. The former professional who is now a taxi driver in Yeovil arrived in November last year and has proved a revelation when fit.

Foster said: "Out of the top three teams I think football-wise we're the best side, but for strength we're not and we're lacking that. We came close a couple of seasons ago and came third.

"But not having Alin all season because of injury and because he didn't arrive until late has affected us. Having him at the start of the season would have been totally different. Another one alongside him maybe would have been enough, but we've been playing well and just haven't shut up shop for some reason.

"We've conceded fifty-odd goals this season which for a team in third is too many.

"We probably need a little bit more experience and a few older heads in those defence and we'll be fine."

Tags: News | Gillingham Town

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