Steve Lovell reacts following Wednesday's defeat at Priestfield.
Manager Steve Lovell felt his side deserved a lot more than the scoreline suggested following Wednesday’s defeat to Sunderland.
Gills were beaten 4-1 on the night at Priestfield despite having more chances than the opposition, but the Black Cats were clinical with their opportunities when they came, giving Lovell’s men a mountain to climb having gone in 3-1 down at the interval.
Speaking after the game he said: “I’m very pleased with the performance overall but losing 4-1 is very disappointing. We gave them two of their goals, that’s what I don’t like about it. We can’t give any team a lift, more so teams like Sunderland.”
Gills deserved more for their efforts than the solitary Tom Eaves goal in the third minute and they were made to pay for those missed chances as the visitors scored four.
Lovell said: “We had chances, a lot of chances – good chances too. We gave everything we could have done, and we had a right good go. Our movement and our passing were excellent. I thought they defended well, they threw their bodies on the line and their keeper made a couple of good saves."
Lovell felt Sunderland’s immediate equaliser just four minutes into the game proved pivotal as the momentum quickly shifted to the visiting players.
He said: “Perhaps we scored too early – it almost kick started them a little bit but they scored at a perfect time straight after. This is how the boys will learn that you can’t make mistakes as you’ll be punished by better sides.”
There was over 8000 in the crowd at Priestfield and Lovell was happy with the turnout.
He added: “It was brilliant, it was brilliant to have that many opposition fans down here too – it makes for a great atmosphere. The fans were great tonight.”