Gillingham assistant manager John Schofield writes exclusively for the KM Group
Every member of this squad has a part to play.
One of the things we say to the lads not starting is "be ready
to come on and change the game."
The response from the lads who have gone on from the bench
throughout the season has been fantastic and it was there for all
to see again last Saturday as we gained a point at Aldershot.
We brought on Bradley Dack (pictured) and Antonio German and
that running ability, pace and power really made a difference.
It was Antonio’s second appearance for the club and when people
come on we are looking for them to affect the game – that’s just
what he did.
He stretched them, was a nuisance to them when we weren’t in
possession, he got in good positions, he closed them down, he
harried and made them give us the ball back. Then when he did get
the ball, he carried us forward with his pace.
If you look at the game, as I have done several times, we kept
them to one shot first half and were keeping good possession.
We controlled the game for long periods and there were plenty of
positives. Toward the end of the game, we were looking stronger and
stronger.
We started the game seven points clear of fourth place and
finished it eight points clear. It was a good point and we are
looking to keep adding to that tally this weekend.
Plymouth are down at the other end of the division but you only
have to look at the way they are scrapping and fighting for their
lives to know that the game on Saturday won’t be easy.
A new manager has gone in there recently and, like we said last
week, everyone has got a new lease of life.
I know their manager John Sheridan pretty well and he likes them
to play football and control the game through their possession, to
dictate the tempo of play by keeping the ball. They are a decent
footballing side and like everyone in this league, every club is
battling for something.
Everyone wants the three points and every game will be a
hard-fought
match between now and the end of the season, like it has been so
far this campaign.
07/03/13
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