Paul Raynor left frustrated as Gills suffer defeat in Kent.
Paul Raynor was disappointed to see Gillingham’s 15 match unbeaten run in League One come to a dramatic end at MEMS Priestfield Stadium against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon.
Regan Charles-Cook’s late equaliser appeared to have grabbed a point for the Gills in horrible conditions yet again, but a last gasp winner for the Dons saw them snatch a 2-1 victory.
The Gills’ Assistant Manager felt the Gills were not quite up to their usual standards in a combative game against the relegation-threatened Dons, and paid the price.
“We probably got what we deserved as I don’t think we were at it all day. Wimbledon did a good job on us and made it difficult for us to get going," he said. "We huffed and puffed but on the whole we have to take that on the chin and go again.
“They tried to frustrate us and stop us playing our game and sometimes you have to give the opposition credit for how they set up.
“We are still in touch. It’s going to be a big ask but we’ll keep going. There will never be a lack of effort, the lads give us absolutely everything and that has never been questioned.
“It’s a tough fixture away at Sunderland but we don’t go there with fear. We’re looking to try and win so that we can get back in touch.”
Raynor felt the Gills could have cleared their lines before Wimbledon struck their winning blow but accepted that the goal was a consequence of the hosts continuing to push for the winner despite playing with just ten men.
“We had enough chances to clear the second goal. There were lots of ricochets and Jack makes a good save, but it was a sucker punch.
“We stuck with the three at the back and tried to win the game, but we were brave in going with that shape. It’s a very quiet dressing room and a very quiet office because we don’t like losing.”
Finally, an update was delivered on the injured Max Ehmer and Jordan Roberts who was withdrawn from the starting XI after taking a knock at Lincoln.
“His shoulder popped out," Raynor added. "It’s something he [Max] has had a problem with over the last few years. We will see how it settles down but we haven’t had too much chance to speak with the medical staff.
“It’s early days but fingers crossed it’s not too serious because Max held us together at the back a bit today.
“Jordan got a real nasty knock on his shoulder at Lincoln so we had to err on the side of caution with him today and he probably wasn’t 100%. Hopefully, with treatment and a full week’s training he should be available to start the game [at Sunderland].”