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Interviews

Clemence on Tranmere draw

Head Coach Stephen Clemence speaks with the media following the 1-1 draw with Tranmere.

9 March 2024

Interviews

Clemence on Tranmere draw

Head Coach Stephen Clemence speaks with the media following the 1-1 draw with Tranmere.

9 March 2024

Gills boss left disappointed as his side are forced to settle for a point at home to Tranmere.

Head Coach Stephen Clemence was pleased with the response in the second half in Gillingham's 1-1 draw against Tranmere Rovers, but the game will be remembered for Tim Dieng's goal in the final seconds of second-half stoppage time that was disallowed for a handball.

Conor Masterson brought the Gills level in the 84th minute at Priestfield after Regan Hendry had scored an early goal for Tranmere. 

Clemence was full of praise for the support throughout the game and, although was left frustrated at not winning at home, was keen to look ahead to the big game at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday. 

 

The disallowed goal...

I believe it was for handball. Now, from where I'm looking at it, the ball has ricocheted around, but there is nothing blatant going on. It looks to me as if the referee has given it, and the linesman has flagged it. I am not one to moan about referees, and decisions do even themselves out over the course of the season. I am one of them. I believe that can happen. I feel that today, it has robbed us of all three points. 

 

Conor Masterson's goal...

It was a great ball and a great header. We have got a lot of threats in the box from set plays. We know that we are quite good at attacking the ball from long throws, corners and free-kicks. We have got a lot of big targets, and when you're getting on the end of things, you have to execute the finish. I thought he executed it very well, and well done to him again. 

 

The supporters...

I have to say, I thought that the crowd was excellent. Even in the first-half, when we were a goal behind, I could still hear them. I think the atmosphere in recent weeks has gone up a level or two. That's great for the players, great for myself and great for the Football Club. Long may that continue. 

Thanks for their support. 

 

Looking ahead to AFC Wimbledon...

There is a lot of spirit and fight in the division from the players and managers. I expect no different from AFC Wimbledon. They gave us a very good game here at Priestfield after I first arrived. We managed to beat them on that occasion, but they are a very well-organised team. I know Johnnie [Jackson] and Terry Skiverton, and they are good people and good coaches. As I said, it will be difficult. If we go there and perform how we can, it will be very difficult for them too.


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