Stephen Clemence was proud of his squad following a top drawer performance on the road in terrible conditions against Salford City.
Gillingham Head Coach Stephen Clemence was proud of his side's performance following the 2-0 win at Salford City.
The Gills boss was expecting a difficult game before the torrential hailstorm, which only made the second half much tougher.
However, Gills had already built a 2-0 lead through goals from Shad Ogie and Tim Dieng. The former scored his first goal for the club, leaving Clemence delighted for the young defender.
Looking at the game...
We knew this week when we were studying Salford that the pitch wasn't great. It has not stopped raining at the back end of the week, so the boys were aware of that. It was never going to be pretty, but we had to fight for every ball. We won a lot of duels today and defended fantastically.
That's three clean sheets on the spin now, so I am really proud of the boys today and their efforts. From the boys that started and the boys that came on. To score two goals away from home is always a good day.
The performance...
I thought that it was a good all-round performance. I said to the boys that I could go around to every single one of them and give them some praise. I thought that to a man, they stood up to be counted.
In a game like that, where the ball is flying around, and it's hectic and chaotic; you then have to realise when the time is to put the ball on the floor and play some passes. I thought that we did that well in the first half.
Obviously, it got harder as the game went on with the conditions, but they took responsibility again; which I want them to do, as I said last week. I think that it is really important.
I know that we are pretty sound defensively with this group of players. They will put their body on the line, and I think they always give their all. Sometimes, we have to take that responsibility on the ball, and I think that I am starting to see that now. I am really really proud of them.
On Shad Ogie...
I have been giving him a bit of stick because I have been waiting for a goal, and he has finally got one. I am really pleased for him. He's a great lad and is still a young player. He doesn't look it with the size of him and the way moves, but he is still learning the game. He still might make the odd mistake, but I am really pleased that he can enjoy this evening.
The lads have got to stop giving him stick now because he has got his goal.
The supporters...
I was speaking to Robbie [Stockdale], Keith [Millen] and Deren [Ibrahim] on the bus, and I asked how many were we bringing today. Deren said to me that we were bringing over 500, and I said that we do bring some great support wherever we go. We must be right up there with bringing the most for away trips. I have to say, we really do appreciate it. Fair play to them, and thank you for your support.
His happiness at the Football Club...
We have got unbelievable owners. I am really delighted to be working for them. I am at a really good Football Club. I feel privileged to be here, and I want to make it work here. I haven't come here for the short term, I want to be successful at this Football Club, and I am really lucky with the owners that I have here.
