Gaffer delighted as ten man Gills record crucial win in Bristol.
Steve Lovell was a proud man as his ten-man Gillingham side battled to a crucial three points at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday evening.
Goals from Elliott List and Callum Reilly set the Gills on their way to three points in a 2-1 win, but following Reilly’s red card, the Gills had to be at their best defensively to secure a vital win.
Reflecting on the game Lovell said: “We were magnificent. First-half we played some brilliant football and scored a good goal but after Callum got sent off it was backs against the wall for half an hour.
“The boys dug in but that’s all we could do. We got a little bit of fortune, but I think we deserved that. I think the first-half was where we won the game due to the way we took the game to Bristol.”
Lovell was keen to praise two youngsters in his media briefing; goalscorer Elliott List and Darren Oldaker impressing the boss.
“We played Elliott just behind and he did a magnificent job tonight and he got a good goal,” Steve said. “He is a goal scorer and a talent, as is DJ. They’re two young lads who have got a future and they showed it tonight, but it was a great display by everybody.”
Gills were forced to shuffle the pack early in the first-half with Gabriel Zakuani limping off injured, but the Gills defence held firm with a Liam Sercombe strike the only blip on an assured defensive display.
“Bradley Garmston came on and had a great game at left-back as did Connor Ogilvie,” Lovell added. “We are getting everybody back fit now which puts good competition on places. I’m disappointed we conceded but you have to give the guy credit, it was a great strike.
“It’s a very big three points gained tonight. I felt today was a game we needed to win to give everybody a boost. It’s been a tough week so we will take great pride in this tonight and then push forward.”