Steve Lovell delighted his tough actions paid dividends on the pitch

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2018 by PA

Steve Lovell was delighted to end a dramatic week with a first home win since August as Gillingham produced a second-half blitz to down bottom side Bradford City 4-0.

The Gills came into this Priestfield clash on a three-match losing run at home and a midweek defeat to Plymouth had led to chairman Paul Scally offering free tickets this bottom-of-the-table clash.

Lovell also sent a number of his misfiring first-team squad home for the week, and with a clean slate also arrived a clean sheet.

Tom Eaves bagged a double while Regan Charles-Cook and Elliott List were also on target in a decisive victory.

“We took some time to get into the game in the first half; it could have been over at the break,” he said.

“They had their chances but didn’t take them, which is the first bit of luck we’ve had all year. We got at them in the second half, got in their faces, and goals breed confidence. I’m already looking forward to next Saturday now.

“This week has been difficult, there were certain things I did that go against my nature but I had to do them.

“It’s turned out to be very positive on and off the field. It may only be one win but I’m going to enjoy it.

“There were certain players who I told to go home and think for themselves. Others got the riot act read to them.

“It’s their careers that I’m thinking about. They’re all talented boys but if they don’t work hard then their careers are going to go downhill.

“I’m trying to do it for them. They’ll only come back when they’re ready to come back. I’m not kicking out anybody, I’m giving them time to sort themselves out. You can’t have people picking and choosing the games when they want to play.”

It goes from bad to worse for the Bantams however, with boss David Hopkin having now presided over eight losses in ten league games since taking over in September.

The former Scotland international refused his media duties after the game as they sit bottom of the table – with the club deciding to issue a public statement of support for the manager on Friday.

But Gills double goalscorer Eaves – who also missed a penalty – admitted his side had to battle hard against the Bantams.

“Winning today was so important,” he said. “It feels so good to win, especially at home. The changing room was rocking after the game; it was a really good performance.

“I feel like it was a cagey game to start with – the turning point was us pressing them in the second half. We stopped them playing out, we had momentum behind us and the whole team played well.

“We’ve got a run of five games at home, we’ve got a chance to get some points on the board and move up the table. Overall it’s a really pleasing day.”