Gillingham FC's key problem is clear - Gareth Ainsworth has pledged to solve it before September 1st | OneFootball

Gillingham's opening-day draw at Accrington exposed their ongoing shortcomings in attack, but Gareth Ainsworth plans to fix them.

Gillingham have had the spotlight on them ever since the late-season appointment of Gareth Ainsworth last term. And, while the former Wycombe and QPR boss has set the club on a lengthy unbeaten run, there are still plenty of issues to fix.

Most notably, the Kent club has endured a goal drought that has lasted several seasons. Goals have been hard to come by for Gillingham, and fans have been crying out for a manager to address the problem. It's been one of the key reasons for the club's stagnation in League Two, and has contributed to the end of the managerial reigns of Neil Harris, Stephen Clemence and Mark Bonner, with none of the former Gills bosses able to get the club back in the goals.

Ainsworth's arrival last season helped stiffen the team's resolve as the previously struggling Gills embarked on an unbeaten run that lasted nine games under the new boss.

That undefeated streak continued on opening day as the Gills battled back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Accrington Stanley. But the manner of Gillingham's performance – with no shots on target during the 90 minutes – and the nature of their equaliser – an own goal from an Accrington defender – meant that fans remain concerned over the club's apparent lack of attacking quality or direction.

Ainsworth has already made moves to improve things during the summer transfer window, bringing in veteran target man Sam Vokes, who he previously worked with at Wycombe, and lively front man Seb Palmer-Houlden, who has been tipped to shine at ME7.

But with both absent for the Accrington game through injury, Ainsworth fielded a team with no new faces, and the same set of players produced a performance that highlighted the same familiar problems in attack.

Gareth Ainsworth eyes 'magic' addition to help Gills' attack

While Vokes and Palmer-Houlden are expected to add presence and pace, respectively, to the Gills' front line, there is a concern over a lack of quality and creativity in the final third. But after the Accrington game, Ainsworth said that his transfer business might not be done just yet, as he highlighted the top end of the pitch as an area he still needs to address.

"I am trying to add a bit more right up top," he told reporters after the game.

"I think that some creativity would be great. There is a lot of onus on Brad (Dack) at times to be that one. Help in that area with creation, and a bit of magic around the box."

It's that magic that Gillingham have been missing for years, and could be the difference between a mid-table side and a team that is pushing towards the playoff places this season.

Gillingham chase attacking quality to support defensive strength

The Gills have been defensively solid throughout the last season, and have remained so under Ainsworth, and his hard-running, pressure-based approach should ensure Gillingham remain tough to beat, home or away, this season.

But goals win games, and the ability to create more chances is the biggest shortcoming in the Gillingham squad. While some tactical tweaks could open things up in the meantime, new talent is needed in attacking areas. Ainsworth clearly has his sights set on a target or two, and he's hopeful of getting someone through the door before the September 1 deadline.

"We're pretty good where we are, but one more in would be great," he said before the season opener.

"We've got the backing. It's not for a lack of resources. It's everything – right player, right time, right moment, right geography, right mates at the club.