 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.
