Steve Lovell hails ‘perfect’ Gillingham after win over Portsmouth

Posted Thursday, December 27, 2018 by PA

Gillingham manager Steve Lovell praised a perfect performance as his side pulled off a 2-0 victory over Sky Bet League One leaders Portsmouth at Priestfield.

Pompey dominated for long periods but Josh Parker headed into the top corner in the final minute of the opening half to put Lovell’s side ahead.

Callum Reilly sealed the hosts’ victory in stoppage time, blazing a penalty past Craig MacGillivray to down their high-flying opponents and grab a vital three points.

“The open game suited us today,” said Lovell. “They came at us, we go 1-0 up and we had something to hold on to. Eventually they left spaces at the back and we exploited them – that’s how we got the penalty for the second. That’s how we wanted to play today.

“It takes time to work on systems and for people to trust others in the team to do their jobs, I think sometimes we don’t always trust each other but I saw that today for the first time.

“People had trust in the person alongside them to do their job.

“If we were offered two draws from these last two games we would have taken them. We lost one on Saturday (2-0 at Charlton) and won the other one today so we’re one point better off – that will give everybody a boost in the dressing room and we’re looking forward to Doncaster on Saturday.”

Gills, up to 28 points, could have won by more but MacGillivray denied Dean Parrett’s 35-yard free-kick and Billy Bingham’s close-range shot in the second half.

Both Oli Hawkins and substitute Brett Pitman had chances for Portsmouth as the away side dominated large portions.

Captain Gareth Evans blazed over from 15 yards approaching the hour, leaving Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett to rue missed opportunities.

“We dominated the game, we were in control,” said Jackett. “It’s disappointing; there haven’t been many games this season we haven’t been able to score in.

“Defensively they did very well, they defended their box excellently and it didn’t look as if we’d get through today.

“We were dominant in and around their area, we probed and had enough of the ball but we didn’t look like scoring.

“It’s similar to the first game versus Gillingham; we had three corners in the first 10 minutes, then two free-kicks shortly after, but it was always a blue head that got there.

“It’s an excellent goal from (Josh) Parker, it’s a really good header – we just couldn’t find one at the other end.

“Second half we had numerous chances but they looked better in their box.

“For us it’s a disappointing loss but it’s not easy to win football games – you’ve got to get a lot right to win.”