The Gills head coach spoke to the media following the 2-2 draw against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday evening
Gillingham Head Coach Ady Pennock was left to reflect on a positive performance after the 2-2 draw with AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night, but was left to regret a missed opportunity to take all three points.
Lyle Taylor had given the visitors an early lead, but a spirited fightback gave the Gills a half-time lead courtesy of man-of-the-match Bradley Dack and Josh Wright. However, Gillingham were denied all three points by a familiar face as Andy Barcham bagged the equaliser midway through the second half.
Pennock was impressed with the way his players bounced back from the setbacks of both Wimbledon goals, and was thrilled to see that Dack returned to his best in the centre of midfield.
Pennock on…Gillingham’s strong performance: “I’m very proud of the players today; they gave it absolutely everything for me tonight. The first half performance they carried on from the second at Coventry, and second half they rolled up their sleeves and I thought we finished strong as well.
“They’ve been absolutely top drawer and they deserved all three points. The boys are disappointed in the changing room, but I’m not disappointed with that performance and the energy.
“I think we’re not too far away [from the first win] now.”
Pennock on…Bradley Dack returning to form: “I’m so chuffed for him [Bradley Dack] - he deserved that goal.
“People say to me he’s lost this and that, but I see the positives in him. He’s a young man still, and since I’ve been here his fitness levels have been very good and the goal was cracking.
“He puts a real good shift in and he’s very dangerous on the ball.”
Pennock on…missed chances and injuries: “I think Rory [Donnelly] fully deserved that goal as he’s been playing really well. To make it 3-1, it would have been game over – he could have taken it another five-yards but the keeper’s saved it and they’ve gone up the other end and scored.
“The injuries were at the wrong time for us, but I thought the lads who did come were first-class. I feel so sorry for [Bradley] Garmston as he’s worked his socks off, but we’ll get him back and make him stronger.
“Deji [Oshilaja], too, it looks like his groin, but again he’s been absolutely great, so consistent, and it will be a big loss.”
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