Gills Manager delivers his immediate reaction following the 2-2 draw with Colchester at Priestfield
Justin Edinburgh praised his side’s character and determination after grabbing a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Colchester at Priestfield on Saturday.
Doug Loft struck in the dying seconds to clinch a point with his first league goal for Gillingham, after Chris Porter looked to have given the visitors victory.
Max Ehmer had earlier cancelled out George Moncur’s effort on 62 minutes when his powerful effort made its way past Glenn Morris.
Speaking after the game Justin said: “When we conceded as late as we did I thought the players showed great character to rescue a point but I think it would have been a travesty had we not taken anything from the game.
“I thought we started very well but when you do start as well as we did and have as much possession then you need to make it count and we didn’t capitalise on that.
“To be fair to Colchester they came back into it and probably finished the first half better. We spoke at half time and put Jermaine McGlashan on to bring some more width into the game.
“The first goal they scored was certainly against the run of play but once we got back to 1-1 I thought we would be the team that went on to win it.
“Both teams were looking for the three points but have got to leave with one. Their keeper has probably walked away with Man of the Match.
“I’m very pleased with the way we kept going and got our just rewards.”
Four changes were made to the side, most notably in goal with Morris replacing Stuart Nelson between the sticks and new signing Amari’I Bell starting at left back.
Regarding those changes Justin said: “I need to look at everyone in the squad between now and the end of the season, there’s some big decisions to be made here but on the other side I thought the players deserved a chance.
“Glenn hasn’t had a save to make in the game, the two goals I really don’t feel he could have done anything about.
“I thought Amari’I did well, he trained with us on Friday and he showed good glimpses of what he can bring to the Football Club.”