Steve Lovell teases more to come from Gillingham

Posted Sunday, August 05, 2018 by PA

Steve Lovell says his Gillingham side will get better – despite the fact they started the season well with a 2-0 win over Sky Bet League Two champions Accrington at the Wham Stadium.

Brandon Hanlan scored the opening goal on his debut in the 23rd minute, getting on the end of a cross from Regan Charles-Cook.

The Gills did boss the game and made it two when Josh Parker’s diving header found the back of the net from Luke O’Neill’s pass just before half-time.

“I am happy, not so much with the three points but with the performance,” said Lovell. “We dominated the first half and the only disappointment was that we didn’t score four or five goals.

“We played some excellent stuff and were great to watch. We knew they would have a period of pressure, which they did in the second half, but they never really threatened us and we looked comfortable.

“Regan was outstanding and is a great prospect, Brandon played really well and deserved his goal while Josh Parker could have had a couple of goals.

“We defended as a unit and kept a clean sheet which is great. It’s a solid way to start the season, three points away from home and I can’t be happier but we won’t get carried away.”

Stanley boss John Coleman was gutted as his side lost at home for the first time in 2018.

Sean McConville and Ross Sykes both had headers cleared off the line but his team, who had been so clinical last season, could not find a way through.

“I am obviously disappointed, especially with how we played in the first half-an-hour,” said Coleman.

“We started OK but then we gave them a couple of chances and they grew in confidence.

“Callum Johnson has been flawless but it was an unfortunate mistake for their first goal and that got their tails up.

“They could have had four or five in the first half and it was a good cross and header for their second goal but then they could sit back.

“I have to give my lads credit as they took the game to them in the second half but we just couldn’t break them down.

“The main thing is that we will learn from it, we can’t get too downbeat, we know we are a good side.”

Coleman is still hoping to bring players in before Thursday, or the loan deadline, and hopes he can keep hold of striker Kayden Jackson – the Reds have already turned down a couple of bids of around £1.5million for the hitman.

He added: “Kayden is a good lad, he has a sound head on his shoulders and what happens happens. There has been a lot of speculation this week and it will have affected him mentally. We will just have to wait and see.”