Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh encouraged by his side's resilience in Rochdale draw
Having watched his side stay in the Sky Bet League One play-off places thanks to a 1-1 draw against promotion-chasers Rochdale on Tuesday, Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh admitted the earned point could be vital.
John Egan headed a 77th-minute equaliser from Jermaine McGlashan's cross to give the Gills a share of the spoils at Spotland – and only a Josh Lillis save prevented him from grabbing a late winner in similar style.
“It could be a big point - it's kept us in the top six,” said Edinburgh. “It's a massive goal, it gives us the confidence and belief we can stay there.
“We knocked on the door second half - John had another one tipped over at the end, too - but us looking for an equaliser left us open to counters.
“Nels [goalkeeper Stuart Nelson] has made some good saves, and we put our bodies on the line. But that's what we're about; we're not going to give this up easily, we have a huge desire for it.
“And once we got that goal, I thought we might to go on to win it.”
Arguably the most surprising inclusion in the starting XI was that of Deji Oshilaja, who was substituted in Saturday's defeat to Port Vale with a swollen eye.
Edinburgh added: “Deji played 90 minutes after that nasty one on Saturday – he told us the minute he came in on Monday morning that he wanted to play, which really shows what we're about.”
Loanee Andrew Crofts was the notable absentee on Tuesday night, and the Gills manager gave an injury update on those players unavailable for selection.
“Croftsy picked up a hamstring on Saturday, that's why left the field of play. He stayed at home today,” said Edinburgh.
“George Williams [nerve injury] will be fit for Saturday against Shrewsbury, and we're hoping Dom Samuel [knee] will also be available.
“We'll make contact with Reading tonight to see how he's progressing.”