Gills forward proud of persistent nature of squad...
Gills striker Ben Strevens believes the current Gills squad is one of the best he has been involved with during his career.
Strevens has started the last two league games and scored the first goal against Plyouth last Saturday, although was substituted at half time during the weekend having picked up a yellow card.
The striker understood that decision and is now hoping to feature more for the first team.
Speaking after the match he said:
“This is probably one of the strongest squads I have been involved in, certainly at this level.
“Early on in the season we had a couple of occasion when boys got two yellows and we went down to ten men so we’ve always been quite aware that, especially in the first half, when you get booked you know you’re coming off.
“I was a bit disappointed because I thought it was a soft booking but and as soon as I got it I knew what the outcome was going to be.
“I was a little bit frustrated a month back not playing as much as I would like but I understood the squad was doing well so I had to be patient and wait for my chance.
“I realise that there are so many good players on the bench not involved so we know we have to be on top form and training well to play.”
Gills secured all three points in stoppage time when Deon Burton produced a superb finish from a Matt Fish cross to convert home, and Strevens was quick to praise the strike partner for the impact he had on the game.
He said: “That’s twice in the past couple of weeks we have scored in the last minute of games and that shows the spirit of the squad.
“It was quality from Deon, a great touch and a great finish and it was good enough to win any football match.
“We have a strong bench and the boys that came on as subs did really well. Myles did quality down the wing and Deon got the all important goal and added that bit of energy so you have people coming on to freshen games up and I thinks that’s why we are so strong at the end.
“We all went up on the bench and it’s a team game, when I scored last week he was the first to jump on me so we don’t care who scores the goals as long as the team is successful and we end up getting three points.”
Ben responded to a question as to whether teams are raising their game against the Gills, and although the forward believes that is the case, he also made the point they have extended their lead at the top of the table so they are responding to the challenge positively.
He said: “Plymouth were on a bad run and from the first minute their fans were right behind them and we have found it quite tough, the last month especially.
“We are seven points clear now so its going alright even though teams are raising their game against us we are still managing to come away with victories and long may that continue.”