TAYLOR: THE PLAYERS WORKED AS HARD AS THEY COULD

Peter Taylor delivers his immediate reaction following the Gills first round FA Cup exit to Bristol City at Priestfield

Peter Taylor said he couldn’t complain with the attitude of his players following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Bristol City in the first round of the FA Cup at Priestfield.

Danny Kedwell’s late penalty nearly helped produce an excellent fightback, with Greg Cunningham and Jay Emmanuel Thomas having put the visitors 2-0 up.

Gills threw everything they had in the dying stages in search of an equaliser but were unable to find a way through for a second time.

Peter said after the game: “I was pleased with the second half, in the first half we had some good things but not enough of them and we saw a lot of good play from Bristol City.

“In the second half we asked a few more questions so I was very pleased with the response. There was a bit more belief.

“I was disappointed with both of the goals we conceded, we could have dealt with the first goal better and then the shot from Thomas was from one of our defensive headers.

“The players didn’t drop their heads, they kept going and I can’t complain when they play and run around enough and show they are looking to win the match – it’s all you can ask for.

“The boys respected the opposition, we know they are a good team and you are not unbeaten by luck. They made some changes but still had some good players who were fresh; they were always going to be difficult opponents.

“The last bit of the game was us attacking more and to be fair to Bristol City they didn’t have too many chances in the second half.

“We know at the minute in our current position we need a win to lift people on and off the field – they worked as hard as they could to get it.”