Gills manager Justin Edinburgh spoke to the press following his side's 2-2 FA Cup draw against Brackley Town
Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh praised his side's character after Frank Nouble's double helped them recover from being two goals down against Brackley Town to draw Saturday's FA Cup first-round tie at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Alex Gudger and James Armson had put the non-league visitors ahead, however Nouble's first goals since rejoining the club last month, both after great work from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, ensured the Gills remain in the competition.
Edinburgh on…Gillingham’s comeback: “I stood there for one minute [after Brackley's second goal] and I thought that were out of the game. Regardless of the opposition, I thought the players have shown character, dug in and probably didn’t want the first half to end as we had momentum.
“If there was a period when Brackley had been able to settle down and keep that two-goal cushion for a longer period then it could have been a worst-case scenario. The quick [first Nouble] goal really helped - it was a tough afternoon but it could have been tougher. The biggest frustration is that we haven’t won the game today, because that is what our expectations were.”
Edinburgh on…Jay Emmanuel-Thomas: “I think [he] is starting to get momentum in that position [on the right of a forward three], cutting off the line onto his left foot. I thought he was always dangerous with two assists.
“He perhaps didn’t move the ball on as quick as possible which meant we couldn’t utilise when we had the overlap. But he’s got flair, and he produced today.”
Edinburgh on…the result: “I take the blame for it. I understand [the fans' frustration] 100 per cent. It’s not a problem as long as it’s aimed at me and doesn’t vent onto the pitch and gets aimed at the players. I accept the criticism.
“During the game, I thought the supporters were fantastic. I’ve never walked away from a challenge in my life and I never will. I still believe that the group are with me, and I have no doubt that it’s only a matter of time until that win.”
Edinburgh on…Brackley Town: “Credit to Brackley. We’ve been in their position before this season pulling off a cup upset, but we’re in the hat and we have a job to do. They’re on a very good run, full of confidence which is something we’re missing at the minute.
“We go there fully aware of their capability but it’s about what we do. We need to go and make sure we’re not the scalp that everyone’s looking for. We’re not through but we’ve given ourselves an opportunity to progress.”
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