Gareth Ainsworth was delighted with his side's performance as they beat Bristol Rovers 3-0 at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Saturday, but is keen to keep everybody level-headed as the team continues to build on the process.
James Brophy opened the scoring ten minutes into the second period thanks to a smart finish before Sheldon Kendall came off the bench to net himself a brace.
The Gillingham manager was delighted with the defensive efforts of his team, who limited their visitors to half-chances throughout. He was also pleased with the positive impact that the substitutions made on the game, with Sheldon Kendall standing out, scoring his first two professional goals minutes after coming on.
Ainsworth understands the importance of continuing to build momentum, admitting the level of the performance is what he hopes to see develop as the weeks go by.
His post-match feelings....
I am really pleased as a manager, but I know this game as well, so I have to be very wary of feeling too good. Like I said last week, there are highs and lows. You have to keep working on the process because the process is improving, and I know that we are on this path, but there are some pitfalls on this path. There are some traps and holes that you can fall down, so I have to keep everyone grounded.
Thoughts on the game...
The defenders deserve as much credit as anyone today. We absolutely controlled our own penalty area. I don't think that there were many shots on target for Ollie [Wright] to save today... and Ollie Wright, wow. He was coming for things; his kicking was superb, his safe pair of hands catching. I think that Deren [Ibrahim] takes a big bit of credit for that, and Stevey [Craig] and Pete [Gill] with the way that we are playing and defending.
I think that we have got something special at the moment. We look fit and strong, and we are going at the end.
I said to the boys at half-time that we were the better team in the first-half and we should take our chances. Robbie [McKenzie] had the one in the wind, and I feel for him, because it is a difficult one to head in, but we had a couple of chances where we could have scored.
I thought that the subs, again, made a real positive impact. Really, really positive. I am pleased for James [Brophy] with another goal, but Sheldon Kendall, two goals for him on a substitute appearance. It is really good.
Continuing to build momentum...
Momentum is everything in football. What we have to say is that it is performance momentum. It is not just results all of the time. If you keep performing at that level, keep performing, keep scoring goals, keep defending like you are defending, and keep being brave on the ball. It is really good. You are seeing a different style than you have for a few years here, but that is the way that I like my teams to play.
Looking to Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday...
Some people need to start and need minutes. We do it all on a structured basis, and a plan that we want the best squad going up to York to take on a very impressive York team so far. We have to abide by the rules, so that will come into it as well. There will be one or two sore legs. Eli King has come off with cramp, and Omar [Beckles] was cramping up at the end there.
