Clemence | "Winning was the most important thing"

Stephen Clemence praised his players for their patience and game management following Saturday's win over Barrow.

Gillingham Head Coach Stephen Clemence was delighted that his side came away with all three points in their 3-0 win against Barrow.

Clemence was pleased with the football on display and is now hoping that his team can continue to build on the impressive performance.

Barrow were reduced to ten men after George Ray's reckless challenge on Josh Walker. The Head Coach gave an update on the striker's health, with him now entering the concussion protocol. 

Josh Andrews capped off his first start for the club with a fine goal, which left Clemence thrilled for the striker who has had to wait for his opportunity.

 

Assessment of the game...

I am delighted with the three points. That's the most important thing. I said in my press conference on Thursday that we were going to have to be patient against Barrow because they have the third-best defence in the league. Although they went down to ten men, their shape didn't change. They went to a 5-3-1, which made it easier for our defenders to get the ball, but we still had the same problems getting past when we got further up the pitch. I felt that with 11 vs 11, we had a good chance with Jonny [Williams], and the goalkeeper made a good save. 

Once the man was sent off we had to find some solutions. As I said on Thursday, it has been hard for us to score goals. We have had a lot of teams try to stop us here at Priestfield. I changed us into a diamond to get Jonny around the two strikers, and that helped us. 

I am delighted to get the three goals. I would have liked to have got more, being greedy. Coming here and winning was the most important thing.

 

Update on Josh Walker's health...

Josh got quite a whack into his chest area, and then I think he fell on his head. It was a double blow. It was a concussion sub in the end because he was a little bit dizzy. It was a hell of a whack, and I am pleased to see that he is okay now. 

He will probably have to miss the next game due to protocols.

 

On Josh Andrews scoring on his full debut...

Josh Andrews will score goals at this Football Club. I have no doubt about it. I am sure that in time, the fans will see that. He has been a big miss for me. I am really pleased that he has got out there today on his full debut and has managed to score. That will give him great confidence going forward. 

 

Showing consistency and growth... 

I have been trying to do this since I have been here. To try and make us easier on the eye, but to also play some quality football. At times, we have shown it, but we haven't had the consistency. At times, we haven't put the ball in the net enough, but today, we did, and I am really proud of them.

I love working with them every day, and I think that they enjoy what we do on the training ground. I think that the group are right with me and Robbie [Stockdale]. Obviously, we have got to make improvements going forward, and we know that, but that will be the aim. The short-term aim will be to go and get a result next weekend.