Paul Raynor happy with the application and overall display at Burton.
Gills assistant manager Paul Raynor was delighted with the performance following the 1-1 draw against Burton Albion on Saturday.
It was a game in which Gillingham created the most opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. Having struggled for consistent performances on the road this season, it was something that left Raynor more than pleased with what he saw.
He knows that his side was perhaps unlucky not to have won the game, but was glad to see all the hard work on the training pitches pay off.
“I think that we should be going home with three points as opposed to one," he said. "It was an excellent performance, and we created a lot more than we have done in recent weeks.
“We said we were stronger in terms of the squad and what we did on the training pitch this week. We’ve put in some good attacking work and doing what we’re good at.
“In the second half, it could have gone either way. On the whole, it was a really good performance that was full of intent. I thought we had our fair share of chances, and I’m really pleased in many ways with all the positives that we can take from the game.”
The Gills created plenty of openings and came close to adding a second through Mustapha Carayol, Kyle Dempsey, Vadaine Oliver and Stuart O’Keefe.
Although they could not find that desired second goal, Raynor saw just how strong the Gills were in the final third of the pitch.
“We were a constant threat all day and always felt that the second goal was coming. They could have nicked one at the end, but I felt that we were really potent in that attacking area.”
Oliver got back on the score sheet to give Gillingham the lead after a great finish from the edge of the area.
That goal was his third in all competitions this season, and he continues to impress the Gills management team. Raynor knows that the forward will continue to develop as the season goes on.
“People talk about Vadaine being this big target man, but he scores all types of goals," he added. "He’s not just a big lump up front. He’s mobile and can score tap-ins, volleys and neat finishes like he did today. There’s more to come from him, and the more service and quality we give him, the better he will become as well.”
The next three games for Gillingham will be tough ones. Raynor acknowledged just how difficult the league actually is but admits that the performance and result at the Pirelli proved that anything can happen in the most competitive League One ever.
“We said how strong League One would be all season. We’ve just come to the side that are sat in third place in the table, and we’re pleased to be coming away having added to our points tally. Unfortunately, it’s not three, and we’ve come away with one, but as we said to the boys, an away point is never a bad point. It’s a positive result.”