The Gills dropped out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the first round stage with a shoot-out defeat to Southend but No. 2 Ian Hendon was encouraged by the Gills display, "Obviously I'm disappointed because we've lost on penalties, it's a cliché to say, but once it gets to that stage it is a bit of a lottery.
"There were positives to take from the performance. We've come away from home, to a side that I have watched a few times this season, and who win a lot of games here. We've probably had the better chances over the 90 minutes.
"They went close once in the first half with a header from Corr that Lance pushed over quite comfortably, and late in the second half he had to make a save low down to his left but that was about it. Away from home, he's had two things to do, so that bodes well for us."
Manager Andy Hessenthaler gave five players the chance to shine, including a rare start for Mark McCammon and Hendon feels the competition for places is a major asset, "We need to get the lads minutes when we can. Mark has played tonight and there are reserve games coming up so that can only help the football club.
"The shirts are there to be had and anyone that comes in and puts in a performance is playing for a place in the team. Competition is healthy and that is the message that we put across to the players. We just need to get the rub of the green.
"Collectively the lads put in a performance, the work-rate was there and if we keep putting in a shift like we are at the moment, the results are going to turn. God help the team that's on the receiving end when it all comes together.
It wasn't all good news for the Gills however as forwards Andy Barcham and Cody McDonald both collected knocks and Hendon admits that the injury situation is a causing problems, "The injuries are our biggest concern at the moment.
"We want to get a settled side but we keep picking up niggles. We want to know what our best eleven is but that's hard at the moment. Cody limped off and so did Andy Barcham so that's a concern for Saturday.
"I don't think Cody's that bad, I believe he's just rolled his ankle so he should be alright but Barch we're not quite sure at the moment. He's in a bit of pain so we'll assess him again in 24 hours."
Over 400 Gills fans made the trip to Roots Hall last night and Hessy's Assistant Manager was quick to praise the Blues faithful, adding "For a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie that's probably one of the best crowds that a team I've been involved with have played in front of.
"There were 3,000 fans and the Gillingham support was great tonight, we could hear them from the bench and we really do appreciate that, especially on our travels."
