Bates spoke in the wake of an independent arbitration panel's decision to return no points to Leeds following the club's appeal against the 15-point deduction made at the start of the season.

The Football League's original decision to dock points from Leeds was defended by Gillingham chairman Paul Scally and Bates is now hoping his team can make a point when the two sides meet tomorrow, Saturday.

A victory for Leeds, who are guaranteed a place in the League One play-offs, would relegate the Gills and could move United up a place to fifth.

And that is a result that would be welcomed by Bates. He said: "If we beat Gillingham it could be seen as poetic justice for what Mr Scally said about our plight."

Saturday's sell-out match is expected to attract the largest Football League crowd of the season and Leeds manager Gary McAllister may decide to rest several first team players ahead of the crucial play-offs.

Alan Sheehan will miss the game and the play-off semi-finals having picked-up a straight red card in the 1-0 victory at Yeovil last week.

But striker Jermaine Beckford could make a return from an ankle injury.

For more news on Leeds United read Friday's Wakefield Express.