Alfie Jones reacts following Gills Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Newport.
Defender Alfie Jones said penalties should not have been required on Tuesday evening as Gills suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Newport County at Priestfield.
The Gills looked well placed for a second round tie after leading in the dying moments but a late penalty for the visitors forced a shootout and Jones, on loan from Southampton, admits that the Gills should have seen the game out quite comfortably after dominating for large periods.
“It is disappointing for us; we should never have let the game get to the stage where it went to penalties so it was very disappointing. We controlled the first half and created a lot of chances but the second half we knew that they would come at us and we didn’t react well and we need to sit down and address that.
“It is a soft penalty [at the end of the second half] but the referee gave it and we have to deal with it. When you have their players saying how he has given that then you know how soft the penalty was; we are disappointed to be out.”
Report | Gillingham 2-2 Newport County
Jones, usually a centre half, was used in Midfield against Newport and is happy to continue doing so when required.
“It is different from centre half because probably it’s a bit more running and the legs start to feel it, but it is a position I have played before when I was a bit younger in the Checkatrade Trophy so I can adapt and play there when required.
“I will play for the manager and the team so wherever he wants to use me then I am happy to do that as long as it helps us win games and get the points.”
Looking ahead, Jones says everybody must dust themselves down ready for Blackpool on Tuesday night after their fixture with Bury at the weekend was suspended due to ongoing financial matters at the stricken League One club.
“All we can do now is dust ourselves down ready for Blackpool on Tuesday evening. Tonight is finished now. We have to get on the training ground and make it right and we want to get the three points for morale and get the win.”