 Gillingham initially performed well at the higher level , twice coming close to promotion , but performances then declined and the club was relegated back to the Fourth Division in 1970 – 71 . The Gills quickly bounced back , however , and were promoted back to the Third Division in 1973 – 74 under the management of Andy Nelson . With the help of players such as Brian Yeo , who equalled Ernie Morgan 's record for most league goals in a season with 31 , Gillingham scored a club record total of 90 league goals and finished as runners @-@ up to Peterborough United . 
