Tom Nichols hoping the Gills can maintain their current momentum as the season enters the final five weeks.
Erling Haaland has Kevin De Bruyne, Harry Kane has Son Heung-Min and even Batman had Robin… it seems only right that Gills striker Tom Nichols should have a bit of support too.
Fortunately for Nichols it’s been a familiar sight to see Alex MacDonald drop a shoulder, drift out wide and curl in a pinpoint pass for the attacker whose positional awareness and quick speed has been leaving defenders chasing shadows.
Combining to devastating effect the telepathic connection between the lethal duo has seen Nichols bag all four of his goals for the Gills courtesy of Macca’s accurate delivery.
“Long may the assists continue,” said a thankful Nichols. “You just get those kind of partnerships in football. I just know that when Macca gets the ball he’s not going to try and dribble past five players, he gets the ball at his feet and his crossing ability is unbelievable.
“As soon as he gets the ball in a dangerous area I get myself in the box and nine times out of ten he’s on the money. It’s a good partnership so far and we are going to try and build on that to get more goals and more assists.
“I didn’t know Macca when I joined here, but I had played against him plenty of times. I have played with players who know him. It’s just one of those connections that you just get from the get go. He’s a very intelligent footballer and his dead ball delivery is unbelievable.
“We both benefit, he’s picking up assists and I’m picking up goals. I hope he’s enjoying it as well. He’s great to play with and it’s helping us win games of football.”
The next team to come up against the double act is high-flying Carlisle who are aiming for automatic promotion but Nichols says there is no need to show any fear.
“We can’t take our foot off the gas,” said Nichols. “They are a fit and well-organised side. They have done it consistently throughout the season and they are a strong team but our home form is good. We are going to try and win the game. Let’s give them their credit, they are a good team but we are a good side at home; it should be a really exciting game.
“We obviously have a game plan that the manager sets up that we work on throughout the week. It will be a tough afternoon but the game plans have been working more often than not lately so I look forward to it. We have won six home games out of the last seven, so we don’t fear them at all. We are going to give it a right good go. We will give them respect but we are looking to win the game.”