Gills Manager delivers his reaction to the 1-0 win over Rochdale
Justin Edinburgh felt the result could have been better for his side on Saturday following a 1-0 win over nine-man Rochdale at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.Bradley Dack’s 14th minute opener proved decisive, however the Gills boss believed the two red cards for the visitors took the sting out of the fixture with the hosts rarely troubled in the latter stages.
Keeper Jamie Jones was the first to see red after fouling Cody McDonald on the edge of the box to deny a goal scoring opportunity, before Matty Lund was dismissed for a late challenge on Dack.
After the game Justin said: “It certainly could have been better but considering the circumstances, with the two sendings off disrupting the game and taking the tempo out of it, we’ve kept a clean sheet and it’s three points.
“I thought we started the game really well, got the goal but credit to them because they went at it and had nothing to lose. We certainly should have dealt with the Football better than we did – there are positives to take from the first half but once the cards got produced I think the game lost its way.
“When it’s not you on the receiving end you don’t tend to review them after the game so I’ve not looked at them. I think maybe the first one was but I’m not sure about the second.
“The ref has got a difficult decision and has to make that instant call but I thought the second took the tempo and enthusiasm out of the game.
“It was a competitive contest, certainly for us it was a good game to be involved in.”
Dack was making his 100th appearance for the club and Edinburgh praised the midfielder for the impact he has had on the team.
He added: “He’s been excellent since I came here and it’s a fitting tribute on his 100th appearance, I’m sure there is many more to come and the boy has got a bright future.
“He’s popped up with some very important goals and is learning all the time. There is more to come from him but he will be better for the season he’s had and to have contributed with 10 goals that’s a fantastic return.
“We congratulate him on that accolade, his game management is improving.”