Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence hopes he’s found a winning formula.

Clemence switched formation over the Christmas period by playing a 3-5-2 formation and it’s increased their attacking threat, with 40 shots in their last two games.

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While scoring goals remains an issue, creating chances isn’t.

“I think the three central defenders were excellent again,” said the head coach after the 1-0 win over Sutton United.

“We have obviously changed system in the last couple of games and I have been pleased with what I have seen.

“We’re playing three defenders at the back but we are creating a lot of chances and maybe it suits us a bit better. We will keep trying to develop that.”

Shad Ogie was brought back into the line-up to play alongside fellow centre-halves Max Ehmer and Conor Masterson.

Up top, the Gills head coach is still looking for the right combination, with Oli Hawkins and Ashley Nadesan the preferred starting pair against Sutton. Tom Nichols started against Crawley on Boxing Day.

Clemence said: “I have used the system on a number of occasions in the past in previous jobs and I have always liked that system.

“I believe when I came into the the club you have to design a system that suits the players you have got and enables you to win football matches. I went with a different system to start with and we probably haven’t been consistent enough. We have shown it in patches.

“I felt a change was right and it looks like it could be a positive change. There is still plenty we can get better at in that system but I have been pleased with the two games.”

Having fit-again Hawkins as an attacking option is a big bonus. He started his first game of the season when the Gills played Sutton.

“He was fantastic and was unlucky not to score,” said Clemence.

“The keeper made one hell of a save, he seemed to twist in the air to turn one around the post. I don’t know how that didn’t go in but fair play to the goalkeeper.

“Oli obviously gives you that presence. I brought him on against Bradford (on December 16) and I felt we just lumped it up the pitch to him. That is not something I want to be a part of.

“I want us to play the ball forward but it has to go through with quality and Oli is a good enough player where if you drop the ball into his chest or you give it to his feet he can bring people in, and his work rate was exceptional as well. When Oli is on the pitch that is how we have got to use him.

“Well done to Oli, he has been out for a long, long time, very frustrating for him, but I am pleased for him.”