Gills boss Mark Bonner said there was lots to be pleased about following the 1-1 draw with Stevenage in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy on Tuesday at the Lamex Stadium.
The visitors secured an extra point having won the subsequent penalty shootout, however it proved to be irrelevent as Gills exit the competition in the group stage.
Josh Andrews opened his account for the season with an excellent goal with strong performances also from Ethan Coleman and Joe Gbode. Stan Sargent was also given his professional debut, scoring in the shootout.
Speaking to the media after the game, Mark said: “I really enjoyed the game actually. We had a period after we scored which we might made a bit more of and we started the second-half really well.
“Joe Gbode and Jack Nolan whistle one past the post and how Conor’s header hasn’t gone in, that whistles past the post. We had chances to go two up and get ourselves to the position in the game which might have seen us through.
“That wasn’t the priority, it was definitely the ambition, but the priority was to play some of the boys that didn’t play, or haven’t played, certainly at the front end of the pitch. Stick with a shape we have worked on a little bit in the last couple of games and give a few other players the chance to play in it.
“I thought the difference between the good bits and bad bits was too big and there was a bit of inconsistency through the game but there were two or three individual performances which I am really happy with.
“A worthwhile game for everybody."
Andrews got his first goal of the season following some good play alongside Jayden Clarke, but the manager was keen to stress that it is just a stepping stone as the striker gets himself up to full fitness.
He added: “Really pleased for him, but not putting too much pressure on the next part. Let’s see how he copes, it’s a good night to get 45 minutes. He probably could have gone out for a little bit longer but we are not in to taking that risk at all.
“He has worked really hard in the last few weeks; his goal was brilliant. It’s a big one for him and if we can continually build him up and have him available, he’s a good option for us. I thought he did a really good job.
“We know what he can do but he’s just been unable to do it for a long period of time so we are changing how we do things with him. That is just another step along the way to try and get him back contributing to games.
“We are not protecting him tonight for anything at the weekend to keep him safe, that worked really kindly for us. It helps us plan a bit and get some work into him and maybe Friday or Saturday we can get him back on the grass."
Towards the end of the game, Mark introduced Stan Sargent to the action and revealed the forward was eager to take a penalty when offered the chance. He added:
"It’s the best part of the job [giving someone their debut] because you get to see how much it means to people. I asked him if he fancied a penalty and he said he would love to take one.
“That’s nice for him and the boys in the youth team and academy staff, along with his family. He has a big game next Tuesday in the Youth Cup too."
Finally, Mark had some words to say about Kenny Jackett who stepped down from his role as Director of Football earlier in the week due to medical reasons.
He added: “I personally loved working with him, he was brilliant for me and the club in the time that he has been here. I will miss that because he has bags of experience.
“We wish him well. I love the bloke."
