Justin Edinburgh reacts to the 2-1 defeat to Chesterfield
Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh felt his players' first half performance was the decisive factor as they lost only their second league game at MEMS Priestfield Stadium this season against Chesterfield on Saturday.
Goals from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Lee Novak put the visitors in control of the game at half time, and Emmanuel Osadebe's second half header proved to be a consolation and not the start of a fine comeback.
However, Edinburgh felt that his team did enough to get at least a point from the game, saying: “I think we had enough chances to win the game and started very well; we got out of the traps as we do here at Priestfield, but unfortunately we didn’t get the first goal.
“For the first time at home, I just felt we lost our way a bit and waited for something to happen. But credit to the players, they came out second half and gave it a real go. The way we finished the game we can take as a real incentive, and take it in to our next two away games.”
Bradley Dack limped off in the first half and while Gillingham’s top goal-scorer may be set for a spell on the sidelines, Edinburgh was more than happy with the contribution of his replacement, man of the match Fulham loanee George Williams.
“Unfortunately, it looks like a hamstring injury [for Dack] which is a real blow, and unfortunately things aren’t going for us at the minute,” Edinburgh added.
“Bradley will have a scan on Monday, to give us a preliminary indication of how long out he will be. We have to overcome that - be resolute, be strong. George Williams is a very good replacement.”
The Gillingham manager was also impressed by his new loan acquisition Adam El Abd, who joined on-loan from Bristol City on Friday, hailing his leadership qualities and the experience he will bring to Gillingham’s young squad in the season's climax.
Edinburgh said: “I thought he was really solid, in his organisation and his experience. I am sure that his experience and know-how will guide us through. We’re delighted to have him.”