Steve Lovell delighted with positive performance at Kenilworth Road.
Gillingham Manager Steve Lovell hailed an impressive team performance as his side secured a well-earned point in a 2-2 draw on the road at table toppers Luton Town on Saturday.
Goals from Tom Eaves and Luke O’Neill saw the Gills come from behind twice in an entertaining encounter at Kenilworth Road, and Steve Lovell was pleased with the result, but put emphasis on an impressive performance.
Reflecting on the game, Lovell said: “I thought we created two or three really good chances, especially first half. Brandon and Tom Eaves up top today caused them all sorts of problems. Everything was positive, the way that we set up, the way we played and the way we took the game to them.
“We went 2-1 down but we kept going and we got a great equaliser from Luke (O’Neill). I fancied Luke today from free-kicks, he hasn’t had one for a while and it was a great goal. We thoroughly deserved at least a point.”
Luton came in to the game on the back of a 24-game unbeaten run, with a potent front two pairing of Danny Hylton and James Collins leading the line, but the Gills managed to contain the experienced strike force for large periods.
“I thought we had to come here and be on our game defensively," Lovell added. "We worked all week on keeping to our roles and responsibilities. Today was an excellent performance, we got something against the league leaders who are on a tremendous run, so we will take confidence going in to next week’s game. It was a good point and a very good performance.”
Striker Tom Eaves netted his 19th goal of the season with a powerful header early in the second half and Lovell was pleased with the performance of his number nine. He said: “When he (Tom Eaves) does things simple, when he does things in the box and keeps doing the things centrally, you see the best of him. He got one of his `tap-ins` if you like, that’s where we want him and that is where he will get his goals.”
Gills matched the league leaders for large parts and the manager was pleased with how a week’s training paid dividends on Saturday afternoon. “The way that we set up was the way we worked all week, when you stick to the plan that you’ve worked on all week it's lovely," Steve added. "I’m really pleased because people are sticking to their roles and responsibilities and because it is working, they are buying in to it.“