Gills manager reflects on Saturday's 2-1 victory over Bury
Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh was in a buoyant mood after Gillingham took all three points in their first home league game of the 2016-17 League One Season against Bury at MEMS Priestfield.
The victory came courtesy of a goal from Ryan Jackson and an own goal from Antony Kay, while Tom Pope scored late on to give Gills fans a nervous wait. Gillingham moved into top-spot in the table ahead of Tuesdays home game against Swindon, capping off a brilliant week for the club.
Edinburgh was delighted with the tenacity of his players, and the performance of defenders Ryan Jackson and Josh Pask, who was awarded man of the match on his league debut for the Gills, to cap off a “fantastic week” for the Gills.
Edinburgh on…the Bury game: “It was a physical game and Bury came and really played off the front, but I think that we matched the physicality of them.
“At 1-0 we had some really good chances, and on another day we could have been 3-0 up: Paddy [Osadebe] hit the bar and Josh [Wright] has hit a screamer which their goalkeeper has saved. However, at 2-0 we became a bit complacent in the game and allowed them back in it.“I think we’re building a nice head of steam and generating some momentum. When you win football matches, the feel around the football club gets better, and if the atmosphere and mind-set is positive, you recover a lot quicker than when it is negative.
“Everybody connected with the club can feel very proud.”
Edinburgh on…Ryan Jackson and Josh Pask: “When Ryan plays like that he’s as good as you’re going to get at this level, if not the level above. He dispatched his chance very well. For the second one, he said it was a slight deflection so he’s claiming that one.
“We were looking to work and switch the play, that’s where we thought we could hurt Bury today.
“We see Josh as a real threat to Max [Ehmer] and Deji [Oshilaja]. He’s assured, he’s confident and apart from that slight error he was flawless.
“He looks mature, a real asset, and we’re delighted to have him.”
Edinburgh on…Tuesday’s game against Swindon and Luke Norris: “I know that Tuesday is one that the fans look forward to, under the lights, so we’ll dust ourselves down, enjoy the week that we’ve had and look forward to a tough game with Swindon.
“I was a fan of Luke [Norris]. I think that it was difficult timing for him, I don’t know why, as whenever Luke has played against my teams he’s been a threat.
“I think injuries last year certainly upset his season and I would be disappointed if he didn’t get a good reception, but I don’t want him to go away with a smile on his face.”