Boss Andy Hessenthaler relieved as Gillingham end their barren run against Rotherham
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by Luke Cawdell
Gillingham’s point after the 0-0 draw against
Rotherham on Tuesday night was well received by manager Andy
Hessenthaler.
The Gills boss, pictured, is under
pressure to turn the club’s form around and the draw at Priestfield
at least halted the alarming run of defeats.
He said: “Considering the pressure we have
been under and the run we are on, I said to the boys, it’s a real
big point for us.
“Late on, Rotherham put a lot of pressure on
us from set plays. They are a strong outfit and they are on a good
run themselves. We knew it would be difficult and they knew we were
under a little bit of pressure.
“But the boys stood up to the challenge and
over 90 minutes Paulo (Gazzaniga) hasn’t had a shot to save.
Their keeper has made a good save in the first half and they were
the opportunities we needed to take.
“It was a bit like Saturday. We had a couple
of one-on-ones at Port Vale and we didn’t take our chances. If we
had we could have got two wins. That’s something we have to work
on.
“It’s nice to keep a clean sheet and I think
everyone saw the future of the football club with another great
performance from the two young boys (Connor Essam and Jack
Evans).”
The result saw Gillingham's first
clean sheet and first time they had avoided defeat since
beating Aldershot 1-0 on January 2.
“That gives the (defence) a lift and I thanked
them for the effort they put in. We are under pressure and I am
under pressure because we are not getting results," Hessenthaler
added.
“They could have easily gone in their shells
and not handled that kind of situation, bearing in mind there was a
lot of young ones in there, but they don’t play with any fear. They
showed that in their performance. It’s a point against a good side
and hopefully it will kick us on.”
What do you make of Hessenthaler's post-match
verdict? Add yours below.
Tuesday, February 21 2012
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