Gillingham chalked up their first win since December thanks to Simeon Jackson's late winner at krbs Priestfield on Saturday and Manager Mark Stimson felt it was the least his side's efforts deserved, "It was a good performance.

"We knew that Bristol Rovers would come here and set-up in a certain way because they are doing really well and having a great season. It was always going to be up to us to take the game to them. We made a couple of changes from last week and at the end of the day we deserved the three points.

"We created some good chances and it's very pleasing because we've waited too long to get this win. It was also nice to keep another clean sheet because at home, defensively this season we've been outstanding. We haven't scored enough goals but we'll take a few more 1-0's between now and the end of the season. Now we can look forward to Tuesday night against Leyton Orient."

For the second week running Stimson left leading scorer Simeon Jackson on the subs' bench and the Gills boss was delighted with his star striker's response, "Simeon and the other two subs that came on today were fantastic.

"That's what I said to the boys at the end of the game. That's the way to react if you get left out. If you get the chance to come on, make an impact and make me think about the next game.

"There has been a lot of talk about Dicko coming back and it's given the place a lift. He's a character and he's always got a smile on his face. He wants to do well and did very well before but I know Jacko, he won't want to lose his No.1 spot.

"The best players will come through this competition and they will be the ones who play the most football. The ones who think they should be playing and don't rise to the challenge will unfortunately get pushed to the wayside.

"It's great for me as a manager to have that competition and hopefully with 14 games to go we can get more wins than defeats and hopefully stay in this very good division at the end of the season."

Stimson admits that he is currently juggling the largest squad of his management career, but is adamant that the competition can only benefit Gillingham's fortunes, adding "It's great. I can go home and enjoy my Saturday and Sunday night and think about who I should play on Tuesday.

"I said to the boys earlier, just make sure that if you get the shirt you put a shift in, because if you don't something might happen like today. Sometimes you might get a little bit comfortable if you can see that there's not a lot of pressure around from the players in your position. We've got that now and it can only be good because I totally believe that the best players will come through it.

The Gills have little chance to enjoy their victory as they will be in League One action again on Tuesday, when in-form Leyton Orient arrive at Priestfield, but Stimson is confident his side can get the result, "At home we fancy our chances against anyone because there's something about this place when it gets rocking.

"It can be an intimidating atmosphere and today I just sensed that was back. The last home game, and rightly so, there were a lot of negatives but I think the signing of Chris Dickson has helped that.

"Being an ex-player, I know that if you're playing in that atmosphere and you hear that crowd get behind you, somehow you just give that little bit more. Especially at the Rainham End, they just seem to suck the ball towards that end.

"The home record here has been good for a number of years and the fans are a big part of that. The players should get the supporters up from their seats but sometimes, if it's not working, can the supporters get the players up. If you've got that combination it's the perfect marriage"