Jake Turner has praised the whole Gills squad for maintaining a clean sheet mentality.
Jake Turner proved to be Gillingham’s hero on Saturday and he was one of the standout players in their 1-0 victory at Crawley.
The goalkeeper made a huge penalty save to deny Dom Telford in the 15th minute. Turner was also called into action, denying Will Wright from close range before pulling off a brilliant save to keep out Klaidi Lolos’ shot from distance. His fine performance on the day preserved Gillingham’s perfect defensive record during the opening four games of the season.
Turner credited the whole team for their excellent efforts in keeping four successive clean sheets but knows that the performances will need to be better as the season progresses.
Assessment of the game…
The performance was not where we wanted it to be, but the most important thing is going back with the three points. Everyone dug in well. A clean-sheet mentality is what we have, and we have managed to get four in a row.
The penalty…
I don’t really think that it was a penalty. I thought it was a bit harsh. It was a bit close to Cheye [Alexander], and his arm was by his side. It did hit his hand to be fair, so I understand that with the new rules these days; anything can be given.
Nico’s played with Dom [Telford] before, so he gave me a little pointer, and I went with it. Luckily, I went the right way and kept it out.
We did a bit of video analysis with Des [Deren Ibrahim], the goalkeeper coach, looking at the previous ones, which we do for every game. I picked that way, and luckily, I got to save it.
On four league clean sheets…
It is good- not just for me, but all of the lads. The back four has been pretty solid, and I think today is probably the busiest I have been. In the last two games, I have not done too much. Credit to the back four and all 11 players. We defend as a team and attack as a team.
The supporters…
The support has been unreal to start the season. Even towards the end of last season, it was really good. I did not know what to expect this year, but in Como when they all rocked up there. It has been quality. When they bring a lot down and it is not too far. When they bring that many away it is very good.