Lovell delights in Gillingham’s attacking display after Burton win

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Gillingham boss Steve Lovell claimed his side could have made it a rout after watching them come from behind to beat Burton 3-1.

Liam Boyce had put the visitors ahead but substitute Tom Eaves grabbed two goals either side of Luke O’Neill’s fantastic free-kick to take the points at the Priestfield Stadium.

“The only disappointing thing is we didn’t score more goals,” Lovell said. “It could have been six or seven. We’ve got a bit of firepower and that’s the way we want to play.

“When we went forward we always looked threatening and it was a really good team performance. Winning becomes a great habit and it gives everybody a boost at the football club.

“We’ve got plans, either in behind or in front of the defence, and we’re working on it every day to try and cause problems for the opposition.”

While Eaves and O’Neill got the goals, Lovell picked out Brandon Hanlan as his star man after a powerful performance which maintained the Gills’ unbeaten start.

“Brandon Hanlan was magnificent today,” he said. “He was unplayable, they didn’t know how to handle him. He was superb – the only disappointing thing was that he didn’t get a goal because he’s a handful.

“The first two games (Hanlan and Regan Charles-Cook) have had have been fantastic and they will only get better.”

Boyce’s goal after 25 minutes was his second of the season but Eaves, on for the injured Dean Parrett, levelled with his first touch when through one-on-one.

O’Neill gave the hosts the lead with a fine free-kick from before Eaves pounced on a loose ball to secure his second of the afternoon.

It leaves Burton without a point after two games and manager Nigel Clough knows his defence must stop leaking goals if they are to avoid another difficult season.

He said: “The general defending hasn’t been good enough and we are in a little run at the moment where every mistake is punished.

“Even when Ben Fox gives the ball away in midfield they score a goal. But it has to be a more defensive mindset – individually and as a unit.

“We will work on it again, show them videos and show them what they are doing and what we want them to do.

“We are playing some lovely stuff but as a defender that’s the time to switch on and make sure that the second we lose the ball we are ready.

“Gillingham came out in the second half and their three forwards looked really lively.

“You talk about the difference between the Championship and League One and you saw it today with a side working their socks off and causing us problems.”