Steve Lovell pleased with response as Gills come from behind to defeat Luton at Priestfield
First Team Coach Steve Lovell said it was important to continue the club’s strong home record with a win over Luton in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Gillingham came from behind to seal a 2-1 victory, Max Ehmer and Bradley Dack scoring in the second half to book a place in the third round of the competition.
Lovell said changes to the formation were made at half time which proved the catalyst for turning the game around.
He said: “Everybody saw the first half and it wasn’t the best, we have played better and a few words were needed. People pay to watch us play and we needed to put in a performance, we changed the formation in the second half and went with three at the back.
“We pushed our wide men on and I think that had a big effect on us winning the game.
“It was a great response from the lads, it showed how mature they are for their age and the result was thoroughly deserved in the end.
“When we took the game to Luton they didn’t have an answer and it was a matter of time before we got our goals.
“For the supporters and everybody last night it was important to get that win and continue the good form we have shown here at Priestfield.”
The Gills are back in league action this Saturday when Chesterfield provide the opposition, and Lovell wants the players to put right what went wrong last season.
He added: “We know how Chesterfield play and when we go away from home some teams will play more open against us. Last year it was probably our worst performance of the season so we will be looking to put that right.
“We will work on it for the remainder of the week and go there with a plan to get another result.
“I don’t think Ryan Jackson will be available for the weekend but we are not sure, the same for Doug Loft.
“They are not long term but we don’t want to rush people back.”