Progression to fourth round ranks as Gaffer’s best managerial result.
Gillingham Manager Steve Lovell was a proud man after watching his side run out 1-0 winners against Premier League Cardiff City in front the Medway Priestfield Stadium to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Tom Eaves had the best chance of the first half despite Cardiff dominating possession, but the big striker couldn’t keep his header down just before the break.
More committed defending in the second half kept the visitors out and the Gills won the game when Elliott List blasted home from the edge of the box after 80 minutes to secure a famous victory for the Club.
Lovell commented on the importance of the win in front of a bumper crowd at the Medway Priestfield Stadium and his game-plan for the first half.
“I’m very pleased for the Club for the players, the supporters, the Chairman, everyone. It’s a big result – we’ve beaten a Premier League side!
“As a Manager it’s one of the best results as it’s the highest opposition so it’s great and I’m delighted that it’s happened.
“First half you can’t put a team out there and take it to the opposition because if you play open they will hurt you. They’re Premier League, and if we did that we would have got hammered.
“Cardiff had a lot of opportunities where we defended very well. Tomas Holy made one good save in the first half but apart from that I can’t remember him making much of a save.”
Lovell was full of praise for Gills youngster List after he grabbed the winner late on, with the Manager praising his return to the side after a rest against Southend.
“Elliott has been excellent. We had to take him out on Tuesday to rest him, but he’s come back into the side today.
“He’s a young prospect here that we don’t want to lose through injury. I thought he had an excellent game, caused them no end of problems and scored a great goal to win the game.
“He’s got everything. His strength, he’s good in the air, he’s got pace and he scores goals.”
Finally, with the Medway Priestfield Stadium in full voice, Lovell had a word for the Club’s supporters.
“They were excellent, brilliant – I always say it. They’re noisy and get behind the team so it’s up for us to produce and that’s what happened today.
“They could see the work ethic and it was brilliant at the end to play and be out there in front of that crowd. It’s great to have this place rocking.”