Peter Taylor delivers his reaction to the 1-0 victory over Stevenage in the first round of the JPT
Peter Taylor said his players deserved victory over Stevenage on Tuesday night as Gills progressed to the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.A first half penalty, converted by Luke Norris, was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the visitors who were reduced to ten men midway through the second half when Gavin Hoyte was dismissed for a tackle on Roarie Deacon.
However, despite the numerical advantage, Stevenage were unable to break down a stubborn Gills back four and Taylor’s men saw out the game well to claim the win.
Speaking after the game he said: “It was a very tough match but that’s what you expect every time you play. I thought there were some very good things that we did, especially in the first half and I thought we deserved it.
“They are good players – they are young, they are new to it and inexperienced but are now getting the opportunity to play first team Football and if that carries on and they continue grafting I’m sure they will improve as players.
“When we went forward at the right times we looked a real threat and the work rate the players put in was fantastic. We go down to ten men with a couple struggling who nearly came off at half time, but they hung in there and did really well.”
Callum Davies was named as Captain, and Peter thought he took to the role very well.
He added: “Yes, and I thought he was absolutely excellent. He has shown a brilliant attitude – he was disappointed not to play on Saturday but he deserved to be Captain and he played like one.”