Louie Dayal proved to be the match-winner as Gillingham came out on top of a seven-goal thriller against Brighton & Hove Albion Under 21s in the Jersey Mike's Trophy on Tuesday night.
The hosts raced into a four-goal lead, but Brighton battled back to make it a nervy ending, as the Gills hung on. Dayal was pleased to see the Gills take control of the game during the opening period, and with the lead that they had built up, they were expecting a strong reaction from the Seagulls in the second-half, which they got.
The 18-year-old made it two in two after scoring a stunning goal against Cambridge United in the opening group game, and after some smart work by Bradley Dack against Brighton, the academy graduate got on the end of his low centre into the six-yard box before sliding home.
Thoughts on the game...
I felt like we were comfortable in the first-half. We knew what sort of threat an under-21 Premier League side like Brighton would pose. They are going to want to keep the ball well. For us, it was about making it an EFL sort of game. Making it suit us, and I think that it took us a while to sort of grow into the game, but once we settled the ball down and got down the sides- I think that we made it comfortable in the first-half.
We always knew that in the second-half they were going to fight back. I am quite glad to have got the goal in the second-half early, which was the winner. It was a challenging game, but one that we are happy to win.
On his goal...
I saw Dacky [Bradley Dack] get the ball on the edge of the six-yard box, and I have screamed as loud as I could to square it. Luckily, I think that he has meant it. Dacky is a top player.
It was very different to my goal in the first game in the trophy, but all goals count, and I am happy to score another.
The mood in the camp after a victory...
There is definitely a positive feeling around the place. We had a big win at Rotherham at the weekend, so then you come in on Monday, and there is a happier mood. The Gaffer was very certain on today keeping that momentum going, and it was probably a must win game today to stay in the competition, but to also keep that momentum going into the weekend. It makes a big difference.
Everyone is happy.
