Steve Lovell: Gillingham deserved their own slice of luck
Posted Thursday, November 22, 2018 by PA
Steve Lovell believes Gillingham finally got the rub of the green they deserve as they edged into the FA Cup second round after a 4-3 win at Hartlepool.
From two goals down the Gills equalised with the last kick of the game from spot courtesy of top scorer Tom Eaves before netting twice in extra time to ensure progression.
Lovell was pleased to see his players kick on after a shaky opening 45 minutes at the Super 6 Stadium against their National League opponents.
“You talk about breaks in football and we haven’t had many. That one went for us, all the ones we haven’t got this season culminated in getting this one and we took advantage,” said Lovell, whose side now face a trip to National League South Slough in round two.
“We scored two good goals in extra time but credit to Hartlepool they really battled hard and caused us problems. They are a spirited and well-organised side.
“First half we had a lot of possession and chances but didn’t take them. By contrast they had two chances and took them.
“We go in at half time and we are two goals down and there is only one way we can go. We had to up it, put the chances away and we did with Max (Ehmer) early on.
“Then it was a definite penalty and Tom (Eaves) has been cool and calm and stuck it away. It was a big moment for him.”
Pools boss Matthew Bates spoke of his pride after seeing his side come within seconds of dumping a League One side out of the competition.
“I’m gutted, gutted for the lads who gave us everything,” said former Middlesbrough defender Bates.
“The game plan was working and they gave me all I can ask for. I’m proud of them.
“Last kick of the game for the penalty, I’ve looked at it and it’s longer than the added time put on.
“I would be worried if I wasn’t getting the performances, but I am. We let them have the ball and we knew that would be the case and we got them on the counter attack. I can only be pleased with what my players produced.”
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