Gills manager Justin Edinburgh reacts to the 0-0 draw away at Scunthorpe United
Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh believes today's 0-0 draw away at Scunthorpe United showed the strength of his side's character.
Having lost their three Sky Bet League One fixtures prior to today's game, a determined defensive display saw Stuart Nelson pick up his 10th clean sheet of the season.
The point moved the Gills up to third in the division, with Edinburgh praising the resolve of his squad.
“I think it's a well-earned point and I'm delighted, I think the players showed a lot of characters after some disappointing results,” said Edinburgh. “It's good to get back to keeping clean sheets.
“We had to ride our luck at times, it was gritty, but we put our bodies on the line for one another. That was supported by a really good goalkeeping performance.
“I think everybody is giving everything they've got and we know when we come out of these dips, the group will be better for it. Today will stand them in good stead.”
The clean sheet was made even better given the enforced defensive changes forced upon Edinburgh for the game: right back Ryan Jackson was ruled out with a recurrence of his recent knee injury, and loanee left back Adam Chicksen has a virus.
“Jacko tweaked his knee on Tuesday [at Fleetwood], while.Chicko woke up this morning with a got fever and temperature. We had to separate him from the group, as we can't afford to have that spreading around, so we sent him back by train this morning.
“It [the clean sheet] is testament to the back four and the group for getting on with it, they accepted the challenge.
“I don't think we've had the same back four in any of our last few games, before that we had a really settled squad. But if you're going to achieve anything you have to overcome these obstacles.”