Gills boss reacts following Southend defeat.
Gillingham Manager Steve Lovell was left stunned by his side’s first half performance against Southend United at Roots Hall on Easter Monday which resulted in the Gills’ heaviest defeat of the season.
First half goals from Michael Turner, Theo Robinson, Michael Kightly, and Stephen McLaughlin put the game beyond the reach of the Gills with a red card to captain Lee Martin giving the visitors an impossible task in front of over 1,300 travelling fans.
As Lovell spoke to the media after the game, he commented at his surprise at the first half showing as Southend ran riot to put the game bed.
“That’s one of the most disappointing first halves I’ve ever been involved in. I didn’t see that coming at all, and sometimes things like this hit you.
“No excuses, just we were poor and that’s what has lost us the game. We will dust ourselves down and put it right on Saturday.
“Certain individuals have got to have a look at themselves in the first half today because they let themselves down and they let the team down and they let the supporters down.
“The boys second half were brilliant, they rolled their sleeves up and gave everything as they have done all year.”
The Gills were backed by another large support in Essex and Lovell was left disappointed that the team could not replicate performances in front of similar away followings at Charlton and Portsmouth.
“I feel sorry for all the supporters that have come up and supported us in their numbers today. I’m so disappointed for everybody to travel up and see that first half.
“If I was in there amongst the supporters I probably would have gone home at half time and all. It’s not something that I would like to see and I don’t want it to happen again.”
Finally, Lovell looked ahead to the weekend’s home game against Doncaster and suggested that changes may be coming with Lee Martin suspended after his red card and O’Neill picking up a groin injury while Navid Nasseri was impressive after he came on at half time.
“We’ve got a lot of home games coming up but it’s getting eleven out on the field after the sending off [for Lee Martin] and injuries today. We will see how we are on Saturday but there could be a few changes, I think.
“[Navi] is full of energy and he was a bit unfortunate not to start today, but he will earn his right to get in the team – he’s a bright boy and he’s got a good future ahead. He’s got a good opportunity to have a run of games now between now and the end of the season.”