Gills boss delivers his reaction following the 1-0 win over Bradford
Justin Edinburgh said it was very pleasing to record the club’s first home win since February 14 following the 1-0 victory over Bradford at MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.John Marquis came off the bench to net the decisive goal on 72 minutes after Glenn Morris had pulled off a series of fine stops to deny the visitors.
The forward was denied a second shortly after his opening strike, with Bradford unable to find a way through as the hosts clinched maximum points.
Speaking after the game Justin said: “We’ve drawn two and lost two since the win here against MK and were up against a very dogged Bradford side so it’s a very satisfying three points.
“They started very well but we stood up to the task, the back three and Glenn Morris in goal deserve that clean sheet because they blocked and put bodies on the line – I’m very pleased.
“The team dug in and the game started to open up, we began to play on the front foot in the second half. The game was stretched and opened up for John to come on and he dispatched the goal.
“In the end we could have had a couple more; we’ve had to work extremely hard. It was a physical game but an honest one.”
Bradford threatened for large periods in the first half but Justin was enthused with the defensive display and felt his side grew into the game as the visitors tried to force the opening goal.
He added: “In the first half we had to dig deep and defend a lot of balls in the box, Bradford have got experience and are still chasing the playoffs but once we got in at half time 0-0 I knew there was more to come from the team.
“With Stead, Hanson, Clarke and Knott you know what you’re up against – I felt we dealt with it and then started to impose ourselves and certainly stretched them and started to play more in their half and I’m delighted John has stepped up and scored the goal.
“To get that first win at home for a long time is very pleasing. You always want to win your home games, we were aware that we haven’t had the results or perhaps the performances that we want here but we’ll take that confidence into the game at Tuesday, we know what we’re up against.”