Gills striker Cody McDonald says it's important the players put the defeat against Sheffield United behind them and focus on Saturday's game at Notts County
Cody McDonald says the Gills players are determined to bounce back this weekend at Notts County following last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.The visitors had gone in front courtesy of a great strike from substitute Luke Norris, but two goals late on deprived Gillingham of at least a point.
However Cody believes the Gills have shown themselves hard to beat, and with a bit of luck is confident the club’s away form will improve.
Speaking to Gills Player on Monday he said: “The way we lost on Saturday was very disappointing, it wasn’t nice but it’s important we put that behind us now and we go again next week.
“We are not an easy team to beat; we’ve had a couple of disappointing results away from home conceding four goals away from home against MK Dons and Barnsley. Apart from that teams have found it hard so that’s credit to the players and the Manager for drilling that into us.
“We obviously haven’t got a decent away record this season and it’s something we are not happy with and we need to put it right but we go to Notts County knowing that we are playing well, we are doing alright and doing the right things.
“Sometimes it takes that little but of quality or luck you need.
“At home we have been brilliant, it’s about taking that form into away games.”
Cody says the recent defensive displays have certainly provided encouragement, and paid tribute to the efforts of the three centre backs, along with Stephen Bywater, on Saturday who put their bodies on the line to try and achieve a result.
He added: “Looking at the game they had 20 odd chances, it was backs against the wall and the three lads at the back did brilliantly and won all their headers. Steve made some great saves; you need some luck as we were massive underdogs going to Bramall Lane.
“They’ve been like that for at least the last month and defensively we’ve been sound. The two games here [Walsall and Peterborough], we conceded one against Peterborough but we were solid.”
Finally, McDonald praised strike partner Norris for a brilliant goal at Bramall Lane, although he wasn’t surprised to see Luke take on the shot as he explained:
“I see him do it in training every day and he has that ability, it was a wonderful strike and if it goes anywhere else the keeper probably saves it,” he said.
“All credit to him, he came on and did what he was asked to do – it was a great goal with a great celebration, to us it was no shock to see him do it.”
For the full interview, click here.