Gills Coach pleased with performance but two excellent Northampton goals prevent hosts extending unbeaten run.
As he addressed the media following Gillingham’s 2-1 defeat against Northampton Town, Steve Lovell spoke of his disappointment that his team failed to make their first half dominance count with two pieces of quality winning the game for the Cobblers.
A well-taken Lee Martin goal had got the hosts back on level terms in the second half however a brilliant strike from Daniel Powell on the stroke of half-time and another from Matt Grimes with 15 minutes left on the clock gave the Cobblers all three points on a miserable afternoon for the Gills in terrible conditions.
Lovell praised the performance of the Gillingham players but was left to reflect on missed chances for a second game in a row.
“Obviously, I’m very disappointed with the result. I thought that in the first half we played very well and created a number of opportunities, but their keeper has made two or three brilliant saves to keep them in the game.
“Goals kill you – their first goal was a great strike and Tomas [Holy] didn’t have a chance with [the second goal]. It was the only bit of quality from them in the second half. Grimes is a quality player and he proved to be the match-winner.
“If we get the early goal then obviously it lifts everybody but for them to score in the 44th minute, it really takes the wind out of your sails.”
The Gills interim boss emphasised that the performance was worthy of all three points despite the inclement weather from Storm Brian which he felt favoured the Cobblers.
“Everybody’s expectations were very high, but these can be the hardest games. It was a battle, and the conditions made it a battle. It suited them better than us as we wanted to get the ball down on the floor and play with pace.
“But if they keep performing like they are and working hard, then they will get the breaks. They couldn’t do any more today except put the ball in the back of the net.
“If we had come off the pitch 2-1 up then people would have said that we deserved it.”
Next up is a tricky visit to Rotherham but Lovell is already looking forward to the challenge.
“I told them at the end: heads up, look after yourselves tomorrow then come in Monday and we’ll prepare for Rotherham next week.
“We’re there [in the relegation zone] for a reason – we haven’t won enough games. But if we continue to perform and improve like we have then we’ll have a chance.”