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Benno's Beat: Gillingham midfielder Mark Bentley writes exclusively for the KM Group

08:00, 17 December 2010

Mark Bentley and John Gowling are squeezed out
Mark Bentley and John Gowling are squeezed out

It was another fantastic result last Saturday against Macclesfield and three in a row on our travels.

Wishing we could play away every week would not have been something we talked about a month ago but recent results have certainly quashed all the doubts about our so-called vulnerability away from home.

To claim maximum points from the last three games will have sent a message around the league that we are not just going to make up the numbers for the rest of the season.

We are hopefully now ready to make a challenge for promotion, which was our only goal at the beginning of the season.

I have always said consistency is the main factor needed to be successful at this level, something that we are beginning to show.

Saturday sees us entertain the league leaders at Priestfield and it seems a long time since our last game there.

Chesterfield will be a big test for us and it will show how far we have come, especially since our last disappointment at home.

They have shown the consistency needed to put them at the top of the table and will be confident that they can get a result against us.

They have a strong squad with some key players who could win any match.

Jack Lester is the one that stands out for me. He is capable of playing at a much higher level and has proved so in the last few years with his time at Nottingham Forest.

He is a clever player with good quality on the ball and certainly knows where the goal is.

What we also have to look out for is his reputation for going to ground easily, trying to win free-kicks in dangerous areas.

I am sure we will go with a similar approach to the game as when Shrewsbury came to us as leaders.

We did not allow them to settle on the ball and frustrated them. We are a form team and will be positive that we can continue this good run.

With Christmas fast approaching, it is a busy time for the players with quite a few games in a short space of time, so it is good that most of the injured lads are back in training.

It is a good time to be fighting for your place in the team, especially when the team is doing well – you are desperate to be a part of it.

I am certainly hoping to play some part over the Christmas period after finally returning to full training.

It was been frustrating but it has been nice being back among the lads.

Most of the squad enjoyed a well-earned break with our Christmas party in Manchester after the ‘Macc’ game but let’s just say it was low key and everyone had an early night!

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