By David Pritchard
Gillingham manager Mark Stimson praised his side for taking criticism on board after Saturday’s defeat at Bristol Rovers and responding with an excellent performance against Yeovil.
The Gills boss admitted he had some stern words for his players after the 2-1 defeat last weekend and was delighted with the reaction at Priestfield on Tuesday night. Simeon Jackson’s first half penalty gave the home side a 1-0 victory and apart from a terrific display from Town goalkeeper Alex McCarthy the margin of victory would have been much greater.
Stimson said: “They had some constructive criticism over the last 48 hours and they responded in the right way. When you give the criticism out you always wonder if you’re being too heavy on them because some of them are young lads still and are learning the game. If they’ve got anything about them and they take it in the right way they’ll produce and they did that.
“It was a good victory, 1-0 but it could possibly have been a few more if it wasn’t for the Yeovil goalkeeper who I thought was absolutely outstanding.”
Jackson’s goal took his tally for the season to 12. He had seen his previous two penalties saved in recent weeks but finished confidently, chipping the ball down the middle of the goal.
Stimson said: “He put it away with pure class. Fair play to him because he’s missed the last couple but he stood up, took responsibility and put us on our way to a very important victory. It took bottle to step up but he wants to be the highest goalscorer in the league and if he gets a chance from 12 yards he’s not going to turn it down.”
The Gills host Burton Albion in the FA Cup second round on Saturday.
POSTED: 25/11/2009 08:02:56
Bookmark with:
Email to a friend: