Eaves bags a second-half brace as Gills clinch victory at Priestfield.
Gillingham Manager Steve Lovell was a happy man as he addressed the media in the wake of his team’s rampant second half display against the struggling Bantams.
After a goalless first half, Regan Charles-Cook got the Gills going with an outstanding effort before a brace from Tom Eaves and a well-taken finish from substitute Elliott List gave the Gills all three points.
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Lovell acknowledged that it had been a tough week but was delighted with to see key players return and the Gills put in a stellar second half performance.
“We changed a few things up, with a couple of boys coming back from injury which makes a difference, as I said it would. I had to take a chance in playing them because I needed them in the team.
“That’s the way we play – when we had our good spell last season and at the beginning of this season – we press from the front. It’s the way I want to play. It’s exciting and I think we have people who can win the ball further up the pitch and create things.”
After losing to Plymouth, Lovell commented on a tricky week for himself, his aims looking forward and commented on the support he received from the fans despite the sticky spell his team has been experiencing.
“This week has been a very difficult week for me, but it’s only one win and we’re not getting carried away with it.
“It’s a great run of games now and this can only be a positive for us. The boys down there have been brilliant and it’s great for them to get the win.
“I appreciate [the fans] all the time. They’ve always been great with me, they can see the work that the staff are putting in for this football club. And the Chairman has been fantastic supporting me, because all we want is success and people to enjoy their football.”
Gillingham youngsters played a pivotal part in the game, with Darren Oldaker making his first league start of the season in the holding role and Elliott List coming on as a sub to cause havoc and grab himself a well-deserved. Lovell was full of praise for the duo.
“Darren Oldaker grew into the game as it went on. It was his first game of the season and he was outstanding in his passing, as if he’s played all season out there.
“He made a couple of mistakes but it didn’t stop him wanting the ball, that’s the kind of player that he is. He’s a great character, a great lad and he’s waited for his opportunity. He had an excellent game – he won his headers, he won his tackles.
“Listy, after the rollicking he got in the week, was exceptional. When he came on today, I said to him and to Patto that Elliott would do something in this game and he had a massive impact.
“I knew that Elliott would perform like that – he was unplayable. Someone with pace like that, he could go as high as he wants to go.”