Gills manager delighted with the work-rate and teamwork.
Steve Lovell was a proud man addressing the media after the Gills completed the double over Portsmouth, the League leaders, inflicting their first defeat away from Fratton Park all season in a 2-0 win.
A brilliant header from Josh Parker gave the Gills the lead just before the break before Callum Reilly tucked away a penalty in stoppage time to secure the three points after a superb driving run from Elliott List.
Lovell was delighted that his team stuck to the game plan and worked tremendously hard for each other, getting in blocks, and helping out their team-mates throughout the 90 minutes.
“Everybody did their jobs defensively. That was the main thing, not to concede an early goal and we weathered a bit of an onslaught in the first 20 minutes or so.
“I’m pleased with the way the boys stuck to the game plan and worked really hard – it’s an excellent three points.
“To win at home with a clean sheet is so important with the games that we’ve got coming up now. It will give everyone a boost in the dressing room and hopefully the fans too.
“It’s a great win, a really hard-working performance and I’m really proud of the boys - I thought they did brilliant.”
The goal from Parker and driving run from List to earn the penalty were the highlights of the game for the Gills, and Lovell was full of praise for the duo.
“It was a great ball in from Elliott and Josh has scored a great header, and then worked tirelessly for the rest of the game.
“We were talking to Josh telling him to stay in the box, and it was right bonus going into the break.
“Josh had run himself into the ground – he deserved the standing ovation that he got when he went off.
“The penalty was the icing on the cake when Elliott has turned them inside out and won a penalty quite rightly.”
Finally, Lovell commented on the strength of the Gills squad and the importance of having options over the festive break with the current injuries at the Club.
“Alex Lacey and Gabs were outstanding today, outstanding. The whole back four were. We’ve got a decent squad, it’s just making sure that everybody stays fit.
“I don’t want to take any chances with Tom Eaves. It’s definitely a thigh injury and he’s devastated that he’s not playing. There’s no way in the world that he wouldn’t want to play. We’re looking for Saturday and if he’s not ready then he will be ready for Southend.
“Dean’s [Parrett] hamstring is a bit tight, but it’s just a precaution – he should be ok for Saturday.”