We were awful and outplayed in every department – Gills boss Lovell

Posted Sunday, April 14, 2019 by PA

Gillingham boss Steve Lovell claims he was let down by his players as Shrewsbury cruised to a 2-0 victory at Priestfield.

The Gills’ best chance came after three minutes when Billy Bingham hit the post but from then on, the Shrews were largely in control and second-half goals from James Bolton and Tyrese Campbell sealed the win.

The visitors could have scored more but victory moves them six points clear of the League One drop zone, while their hosts are now two points behind that and left their manager fuming.

“Shrewsbury outplayed us in every department,” said Lovell. “We were awful, we were really awful and that’s the first time I think I’ve said that this year. That hurts me.

“A lot of players – most of them in fact – could have no complaints if they’re left out next week. Too many people were off their game.

“For most of them it was probably the worst game they’ve played all season. I feel let down. We’ll bounce back but there was no intensity, there was no spark. It was dead, it was all lacklustre. That’s not us and it’s a horrible feeling.

“Shrewsbury dug in, they defended well and put their bodies on the line when they needed to. Their two goals were easy for them.

“They deserved their win but we’ve got to learn from it because this was a poor, poor performance.

“It’s important that we get something from the next couple of games over Easter.”

Bolton netted his first league goal of the season when he fired Shaun Whalley’s cross through a crowded penalty area after 50 minutes, and Campbell scuffed home Scott Golbourne’s cut-back on the hour to put the result beyond doubt.

And Shrews boss Sam Ricketts was impressed by the composure of his young players in securing an impressive away win.

“Going in at 0-0 at half-time is never a bad scoreline, especially away from home,” he said. “We were solid in the first half and what we saw after that was two bits of quality from two full-backs.

“It’s about time Bolts (Bolton) scored in the league – he’s been saving them for the FA Cup this season! His link-up play with Shaun Whalley in the build-up was very clever.

“Then Scott Golbourne does well to find Tyrese. Instead of thrashing a cross into the box they linked up nicely and it’s a very calm finish.

“After getting the goals we had to make sure we saw the game out. Apart from one episode late on we did that. We put our bodies on the line.

“We’re a young side but we’re growing. The players have taken everything asked of them on board and we’re seeing it in the performances.”