Martin praises Gills display in last 20 minutes at Highbury Stadium
Martin Allen praised the attitude of his players in the last 20 minutes against Fleetwood by saying everyone continued to do their jobs in order to achieve a deserved point.
Goals from Danny Kedwell and Charlie Allen were cancelled out by Jamille Matt’s brace in a 2-2 draw, and despite heavy pressure from the hosts, they failed to break down a strong Gills back line for a third time.
Martin said after the game: “It was a difficult last half an hour with their two big boys playing up front and they went direct. I am disappointed to concede that goal but it’s a big point away from home.
“Even though they scored that goal on 68 minutes you would have expected absolute carnage around our box but there wasn’t because we defended defiantly and as a team.
“Everyone stood in there and done their jobs and I thought it was a great point for our club with the position we are in and everyone is hoping we lose.
“The job to do was to come up to Fleetwood and at least go away with a point. We got a point in the bag and now it’s for the biggest game, the best game, April 1st on Monday.”
That game will take place against Rotherham United at MEMS Priestfield, and Martin said he is looking forward to taking on Steve Evans who he enjoyed a good rapport with when the teams met earlier in the campaign.
He said: “Steve is alright with me – when I was up at Rotherham I had a good chat with him in his office before the game. I can’t say a bad word about him.
“We have more important things to concentrate and focus on.”
Finally Martin talked about how the players have a responsibility to give supporters something to shout about.
“It’s down to the players; all of that responsibility is down to the players,” he said.
“It’s about the team and how the team play. If they play well the supporters are the best – if they are pants they are not so good, same as any supporter.
“You pay your money and you are entitled.”
To read Martin’s immediate match reaction click here.
To see what Charlie Allen had to say following his goal click here.
For our official match report click here.