Steve Evans delivers his reaction as Gills progress in the FA Cup.
Gillingham Manager Steve Evans praised his side’s effort and desire after their extra time win over Sunderland in the FA Cup on Tuesday evening.
The Gills had to wait until the 105th minute at MEMS Priestfield Stadium to get their winner, when Brandon Hanlan strode into the penalty area before firing his shot into the bottom corner.
Evans said: “I think it was a real tough cup tie. My recollections are not a lot of quality in the first half, I think two teams really battling. I was disappointed with the first half, and I let them know, but they came out in the second half and worked really hard.
“We were dominating the play. We were taking the ball in good areas, and threatening every time they went forward. My goalkeeper has not had a save to make in 120 minutes tonight. That’s a credit to those players for heart and desire.”
The Gills boss was also happy for the fans, who got behind the team for the full 120 minutes. He said: “I’m really delighted for the supporters, especially those ones who made the long journey up to Sunderland, because they believed, they must believe when they go that far, and tonight they’ve been doubly rewarded, along with the magnificent support from the Rainham End, and when we scored the roof nearly came off.
“My team is never shy of effort, never shy of commitment, never shy of passion, and they didn’t tonight. Some teams will turn up and beat us because they’re better than us. But we took the knocks from that and we go again.”