Gaffer delivers his post-match thoughts following MK Dons defeat.
Gillingham Manager Steve Lovell felt that his side, once again, did not get what they deserved as they fell to defeat against MK Dons on Thursday evening in Sky Bet League One at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Navid Nasseri’s first goal for the Club on his full debut seemed to have earned the Gills at least a point, cancelling out Aneke’s first half opener for MK Dons but a late goal from Williams saw the visitors take all three points back to Milton Keynes.
Lovell said he had enjoyed watching his side play throughout the game but bemoaned the lack of a killer final pass as the Gills failed to put the game beyond the visitors.
“I can’t fault [the players]. We had the majority of the possession throughout the game. We were in control, we looked solid in defence and going forward we were creating, but we didn’t finish them off.
“It’s the second game on the spin that that’s happened, but we’re not sticking the ball in the back of the net. Our final ball into the box today wasn’t as good as it has been and that was maybe a reason why we didn’t finish the game off today.
“I enjoyed watching us play tonight, and when a manager’s saying then we’ve done something right. We got caught on the sucker punch.”
Navid Nasseri got off the mark for the Gills making his full debut for the Club and the gaffer was full of praise for the young midfielder.
“I thought Nav was first class. For his first game, for a young lad to come and play like he did today, he’s got confidence, he’s got brains and he’s got energy.
“I’m really pleased for Nav, he was definitely a plus tonight. He’s been patient and he deserved his opportunity and he produced. He’s done really well.”
Asked whether he might threaten Lee Martin’s position behind the striker, Lovell thought that Nasseri had definitely thrown his hat into the ring in further evidence of the strength of the current Gills squad.
“[Lee Martin and Josh Parker will] train Saturday and Sunday and we’ll see how they are, but Nav played well so he’s put a claim in for starting the game on Monday.
“I just spoke to Dan [Micciche, the MK Dons manager] and he said you’ve got a bloody good side here – and he’s right. I’m so disappointed for them because the last two games we deserved to get something out of them.”
Finally, Lovell touched on the upcoming derby game against Southend United on Easter Monday.
“It’s a local derby, it’s a tough game and it’ll be a good atmosphere. It’s disappointing to be going there on the back of two defeats but we’ve got to pick ourselves up and be positive for Monday.
“We’ve got to get back to that lovely feeling that you get when you win games.”