EDINBURGH: "I'M BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED"

Gills manager Justin Edinburgh spoke to the media following his side's 1-0 defeat against Oxford United on Monday

The Gills suffered only their first home defeat in seven games at the hands of Oxford United at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Monday.

Cheyenne Dunkley’s goal in the 66th minute separated the two sides, and Deji Oshilaja was sent off for the home side on 76 minutes after being shown a second yellow card for a foul on U’s Ryan Taylor.

Edinburgh on…the performance: “It was a performance that was unacceptable, especially off the back of a Christmas period where we were very good at Peterborough, and dominated at Millwall but didn’t create enough chances. 

“I didn’t expect that performance today, but I take full responsibility. It was a shock to the system to see that performance put in by the players because it was unacceptable.”

Edinburgh on…creating chances: “At Millwall we dominated with the ball but didn’t create any chances and test the goalkeeper anywhere near enough as we should have done, with the percentage of play we had, and it’s been the same again today. 

“I thought we were second best from start to finish and it really surprised me. We were caught on the back foot and never, at any stage, got going.

“We tried injecting some new life with the subs, and I think they tried, but, taking Stuart Nelson out of the equation, I think everyone [outfield players] was well below a standard from what we expect, and what they should be producing.”

Edinburgh on…the 12 day break: “It gives us a period where we have no games to prepare for, therefore we can be a little bit more focused on assembling and reflecting on the squad, and seeing where’s best to move forward.”