Gareth Ainsworth credited Harrogate for their stout display as they left the MEMS Priestfield Stadium with all three points, defeating Gillingham 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Stephen Duke-McKenna scored the only goal of the game after 16 minutes, as a professional display from the visitors saw them work hard to defeat the Gills. Ainsworth credited Harrogate for making life difficult, as they ended Gillingham's record-breaking 21-game unbeaten run in the league.
Despite the defeat, the Gills boss is happy with what he learnt about his squad, knowing that the effort and desire are not a problem.
Ainsworth discussed a couple of knocks coming out of the game and also thanked the supporters after 7406 were in attendance for the fixture.
Opening thoughts...
We gave Harrogate something to defend. We gave them something to hold onto, and they defended stoutly. You have got to give credit to them. My players have given everything, and it is the lack of a goal, really. We had a couple of corners that flashed by the far post, and we had one cleared off the line. We had a couple of shots, and they were all blocked. We've let an easy-ish goal in. He's a good player [Stephen] Duke-McKenna. I had him at QPR, and we spoke about him before the game, but listen, I will have my boys any day.
It has taken six months for this interview to happen. That's pretty good as a manager!
Crediting Harrogate...
Harrogate are always a dangerous side. I have told that to a lot of people. They have beaten some big teams and have some good players. Simon Weaver has organised them and prepared them well. We have got to take our hats off to them and say well done for doing the job, and we have done it to other teams this season.
What was learnt from the defeat...
You do learn plenty from a defeat. I learnt that it wasn't a lack of effort from my boys. When you do get beat, you look into it, and quickly you can look and say, 'You know what, the boys didn't turn up today.' They gave everything. They were flying into tackles and going into headers. You can see the passion that they have for the club, and the fans match it.
What I have learnt is that we're in a good place. I am sure that this season is going to be an exciting one.
Knocks coming out of the game...
[On Bradley Dack] - It's nothing serious. It's nothing like his previous injuries. Robbie McKenzie was just a little bit tight. We protected them. That's what we have to do sometimes. When we look at the long game, it is the right decision to make. You may sacrifice a few minutes for one player, to make sure that they play the next minutes, because Robbie has been brilliant this season, and Bradley as well last week. He was fantastic with his finishes.
Thanking the supporters...
They were brilliant. I think that for what this group of fans have been through over the past few seasons, thank you, because you dug deep today. I realise that.
I stay in the town once a week, and I get fans coming up to me and they are saying, 'Thanks for what you are doing.' I am now saying to the fans, thanks for what you are doing, because you are getting right behind these boys, and that means a lot to them. You don't realise how important the support and positive vibes are.
You can feel them inside the stadium. When it goes the other way, you can feel that too. I don't like the other way.
I will fight for anything with this group of boys, but I haven't just got the squad, I have got the fans as well. That's superb to have.
