Boss Peter Taylor was delighted with the character shown from his players.

Gillingham turned around a one goal half-time deficit and then hit a winning goal after Stevenage had pulled the game level again at 2-2.

Reflecting on the roller-coaster encounter, Taylor said: “We were disappointed to have lost to Brackley and then again on Saturday and so it was a big test for them.

“I was very happy with the way we played first half. We could have played a little more football but it was a bit of a nervous situation, because of Saturday’s disappointment, but first half I didn’t think we deserved to be 1-0 down at half-time and I thought we showed some good things.

“We gave the crowd something to cheer about and on Saturday we had given them nothing. Second half we gave them something for them to get behind us.

“If I was a Gillingham supporter going home I would be delighted with the second half. The players showed great character, scored three goals, which is lovely in one half, and won the match.

“I go home much happier and it was a tough game for the players.”

It didn’t look as if it was going to be Gillingham’s day when captain Adam Barrett missed an eighth minute sitter.

“Adam’s miss is probably going to be on the Christmas DVD,” said Taylor, with a grin.

“We could have gone into the break 1-0 up rather than 1-0 down and so at half-time I was still quietly confident we could get something from the game. The players were told that at half-time.

“The character they showed second half was great, not only getting the goal and then another but also carrying on after Stevenage equalised. I thought they showed good character.”

Taylor revealed that Leon Legge was dropped for the match in favour of new signing Donervon Daniels. The West Brom player repaid the Gills boss with a debut goal.

“I thought it was a really good finish with the outside of his right foot,” said Taylor. “It wasn’t an easy thing, you can’t really teach that. He took it well and it was a good ball in from Craig Fagan.

“We are delighted with that and we are delighted to get three goals. I don’t care who gets them, as long as we do get them.”