GILLINGHAM goalkeeper Derek Stillie has predicted a possible baptism of fire for Kevin Bond's charges in League Two.
Stillie, standing in for injured first-choice Simon Royce, saved Maxi Gradel's second-half penalty as Cherries were condemned to a 2-1 defeat at Priestfield on Saturday.
The 34-year-old Scotsman got down smartly to his right to keep out Gradel's 79th-minute spot kick, before Cherries responded with victory over Tranmere on Monday - leaving Kevin Bond's side 12 points adrift of League One safety.
And with just six games remaining - starting with Saturday's clash against Millwall at Dean Court (3pm) - relegation to the bottom flight now seems inevitable.
Asked whether he felt Cherries would be equipped to bounce back, Stillie, who is training to be a lawyer, added: "From what I saw today and from what I saw when we played them in Bournemouth in December, they have more than enough quality.
"But from what I can make out, the league below is a different kettle of fish regarding how teams play.
"Whether Bournemouth can still play the way they are known for playing in that league and have success, I don't know."
