Steve Evans rues defensive mistakes in Gillingham’s draw at Rochdale

Posted Sunday, January 26, 2020 by PA

Gillingham boss Steve Evans felt it was a case of two points dropped as his side drew 2-2 at Rochdale.

Ian Henderson fired Rochdale ahead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after Gills goalkeeper Jack Bonham fouled Rhys Norrington-Davies before a Jordan Roberts double either side of the break put the visitors in the driving seat.

However, Stephen Dooley equalised in the 68th minute and Mikael Mandron missed a late chance to win if for Gills.

“We were not at our best but we still dominated the first half for long spells,” said Evans.

“I felt it was two points dropped. We’ve given away a suicidal penalty – if it was a penalty in the first place, I’m not so sure there was contact or whether it was outside the area. But it was poor defensively from us on the right side.

“We got back in the game and got ahead but then defensively again we were poor on the right side, we didn’t win the header and didn’t match their runner. After that the game was end to end but we missed an absolute sitter to win it.

“I said before the game if we could take six out of six points from the games against Rochdale and Shrewsbury, that would be outstanding – four points would keep us in the mix.

“If we beat Shrewsbury in midweek it means we will break off for a week three or four points off the play-offs, which is remarkable.”

Dale also went close to a late winner via Matt Done, who floated a 40-yard effort over Bonham but saw his attempt drop just over the crossbar.

Rochdale assistant coach Lee Riley said: “I was proud of the lads and the way they kept trying to play how we want them to even when we were 2-1 down. I was really pleased they were able to fight their way back into the game.

“Rhys Norrington-Davies got a really severe facial injury a few weeks ago going in for a challenge similar to the one which earned us the penalty. He’s only been back with us a week, so the courage he showed to go into the same kind of challenge was amazing and shows exactly how he plays the game.

“When you play Gillingham you know you are going to face lots of deliveries into the area from set-pieces. That is something we had worked on so it was disappointing to concede two goals that way.”