Martin Allen heaps praise on team following 1-1 draw
Martin Allen praised his side’s character and determination to come back from a goal down to earn a point in a 1-1 draw against Aldershot at the EBB Stadium on Saturday.
Leon Legge’s 75th minute header got the Gills back on level terms after Craig Reid had opened the scoring shortly after the interval, and only a world class save denied Danny Kedwell from giving the visitors all three points.
After the game Martin said: “We started unbelievably well and had three chances in the first four minutes believe it or not so it was a fantastic reaction from the players to not winning the other night.
“At this time of year it’s about results and they came back really well, brilliant play from Leon Legge. He led from example and let’s not kid ourselves it's tough at the moment, but they keep going and it’s another point on the board.
“Leon Legge was absolutely immense from start to finish and we must have a mention for the Captain [Adam Barrett] because he should have come off at half time because he was sick.
“He said in the dressing room at half time that he wanted to carry on and credit to him for making it through the 94 minutes. Those two players are men and they have been fantastic for us week in, week out.
“We ride it together, the ups and downs and it’s another point towards our total so it’s good.
“Someone whispered to me that we are eight points clear [of fourth position] rather than seven, we are top of the league as we have been all season. I am a very proud manager and I’m on my way now to see Mr. Scally in Dubai so how fantastic!
“It was nothing to do with Danny missing it – their goalkeeper made a brilliant save and well done to him but it was great that Danny got in that position and great that he has come back and played the whole game after being out with a hamstring injury.
"That’s testament to the work that he has done when he has been injured.”
More reaction from Martin Allen, and from centre-back Leon Legge, will be available shortly.
For a full match report click here.