Gillingham manager Steve Evans insists there will be no knee-jerk reaction when it comes to picking a team to play Bristol Rovers on Wednesday.

The management team were clearly unhappy with the team’s performance against Exeter City as they were beaten by the League 2 team at Priestfield in the second round of the FA Cup.

Assistant manager Paul Raynor described the performance as rubbish while Evans labelled it wholly unacceptable during his assessment the following day.

There was a lengthy post-match discussion between the management and players and now they have to prepare for a return to league action as the Gills take on Bristol Rovers later this week.

“The performance for 25 minutes in the first half was wholly unacceptable, individually and collectively,” said Evans.

“We will analyse the team and individual performance levels within it all and take the appropriate decisions thereafter, but also let me give credit to a good Exeter team. We wish them luck in the third round draw.

“I will offer no excuses for us and that is why I was delayed post match, the players had to realise it was unacceptable.

“I take full responsibility for the performance and result, in simple terms the buck stops with me.

“My task now is to get our performances right moving forward, as I’ve always said it’s the results that follow.

“For me, it’s is about analysis and lateral thinking and experience tells you it’s not about knee jerk reactions, but simply working on a plan to get ready for a tough match at Bristol Rovers.”

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