Gillingham boss Mark Bonner enjoyed the weekend win but knows his side needs to keep improving.

An early goal against Carlisle United gave the Gills something to protect in the first half but the visitors were never out of the game until Jack Nolan’s stunning run and finish made it 3-1. Jonny Williams struck a fourth to seal it.

Bonner looked beyond the scoreline and said, “That gives us a little shot of confidence, which is nice, but we know how much improvement there is still ahead of us.

“People will look at (the result) and take note, which is good, the expectations will go mad, which is normal, but we know we can be better and we will continue to improve.”

Expectations were already high before the weekend win.

Bonner said: “Twenty-nine more wins - that is where our expectations are.

“I have seen teams win the first game and crash, or vice versa.

“It changes absolutely nothing whatsoever for me.

“It was a good result and good performance against a really well-fancied team but we have some tough games coming up and we have to get better, fitter, stronger.

“It was close to the performance we wanted, in parts, but it is day one.

“There was lots to like in the performance but loads we think we can get better at.

“I’m delighted that is day one but we need day two next weekend to be really productive day for us.”

The Gills scored four goals in a league match for the first time since beating Crewe by the same 4-1 scoreline back in January 2021 at Priestfield.

“I was certainly delighted with the goals we’ve scored,” said the manager.

“It was good and I think it will get better.

“The connection with the team will build, this place (Priestfield) will be bouncing if we get it right, there will be even more people here and the noise levels will get even better as the season goes on.

“For people to come out on game one and to see four goals, three at that end (the empty Town End), I think that’s really important.

“We want to break lots of myths that exist in this team, we want to build our own little records as we go.

“To score four goals was excellent and I think the supporters enjoyed what they saw.”