Gillingham boss Steve Evans was thrilled to see his team’s character shine through at Swindon.

Conceding a goal late in the first half angered his players and they responded with three second half goals to win the match at the County Ground.

Evans said: “It was three hard earned points. A lot of people at halt-time would have been writing us off but we have got character in our dressing room. We fight on the bench for every decision and we fight on the pitch for everything.

“We are really proud of the players, they are the boys who have to go in and get back at 5am after a long trip to Fleetwood (on Tuesday). We had an absolutely disgusting penalty kick given against us and everyone in the EFL have said it wasn’t a penalty but we have to live with it, it’s gone, but they showed so much resolve, particularly after going a goal down so close to half time.”

Brett Pitman’s 41st minute goal put Swindon ahead but Vadaine Oliver scored twice to turn it around and Kyle Dempsey sealed the win.

It was a match played in tough conditions, with a strong wind that the Gills coped better with after the turnaorund.

Evans said: “There was a gale force wind blowing down the pitch that we were defending first half.

“What really sparked us is that I think the boys were really annoyed that they took the lead just before half time because we were very comfortable, no issues.

“There was no team-talk needed, we knew what the plan was, at the break the boys were down, it was a case of myself and Paul cajoling them and getting them back up. We changed the system two or three times in the second half, made the changes and got positive impacts off the bench from Alex MacDonald and John Akidne, two players who played well midweek when they came on as well and were unlucky not to start.

“We always knew we would score in the second half and it was just a question of how many we could score.

“It was a real outstanding performance for the lads having got back into Medway at 5am on Wednesday. You have to turn them around, train Thursday and Friday and we still had a two and a half hour trip to Swindon for the 1pm kick off.

“There is real good character in the dressing room and a number of the boys were outstanding, Robbie Cundy the best for me. Oliver got another two goals and is now nearer to that 20. He would be an asset for any team, especially us.”

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