Gills boss reacts to Shrewsbury defeat.
Gillingham Head Coach Adrian Pennock bemoaned missed chances during Gillingham’s defeat against Shrewsbury Town, but remains convinced that their fortunes will change and results will come.
Shrewsbury raced into a two goal lead at half time with Carlton Morris lashing home from close range, before Alex Rodman headed home a deep cross. Josh Parker gave the Gills hope in the second half with a late glancing header that found the net, however a stubborn defensive display from the Shrews denied Gillingham a share of the spoils.
Pennock thought the Gills played well up until the Shrews’ opener and was left disappointed that his team were unable to snatch another goal as he ended the game with three strikers on the pitch.
“The first 25 minutes, half an hour, the football we were playing was very good. I couldn’t believe we were two-nil down at half-time.
“You’ve got to be clinical in both boxes. They had two chances and they were clinical, and we weren’t.
“I said at half-time that the next goal is very important as we’d be on the front foot more. We went 3-4-3 at the end with a lot of attacking players on the pitch but we just couldn’t get the second goal.”
Despite struggling so far this campaign, Pennock was convinced that the quality and determination of the Gills squad will soon manifest itself in a run of victories.
“We need to win games. I really do believe in the players, and it will turn. It’s tough because I care about the club and everybody here. I want to win every game. I’m the Head Coach and I’m bitterly disappointed that we haven’t won the game.
“We’ve got Gabby [Zakuani] coming back from international duty next week and Conor Wilkinson back from suspension – they’re big players for us.
“Don’t give up on us, don’t give up on the club, and don’t give up on the team.”
Sean Clare joined the Gills on loan from Sheffield Wednesday on deadline day, and Pennock was pleased both with the transfer and his substitute performance.
“Sean is a bright lad. He’s a young boy with a good footballing brain and good ability. He can dribble at people – he likes to get the ball deeper and run at people.
“He looked very calm and composed and, once he settled in, he looked nice and bright. He’s another young man who will learn his trade.”