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The Shouting Men column with Gillingham defender Alex Lacey

Playing as a holding midfielder is another string to my bow and I would relish the chance to do it again.

I enjoyed playing there on Saturday, providing a bit of security for the defence.

I made my debut for Luton in that position and although it has probably been a few years since I have played there I quickly got back into the swing of it.

Gillingham defender Alex Lacey Picture: Ady Kerry
Gillingham defender Alex Lacey Picture: Ady Kerry

The position obviously still carries some defensive responsibility and I managed to make a couple of runs forward but I was always wary. There are still the same defensive aspects to the role as a centre-back but you are basically just playing a bit further up the pitch.

It was nice to get on the ball and try and find some passes. I think you probably saw more of that in the first half than the second as the game got a bit more open and a bit scrappy. I didn't have too many chances to get on the ball then but I definitely enjoyed it and if that's the role that I can provide and be a bit of security for the back four then I would happily do it again.

We were a bit disappointed at the end of the game in the changing rooms, it was like two points lost rather than one point gained. Having been in a winning position first half it was tough to take but the lads dug in deep and got the equaliser in the end.

Their second goal came from our free-kick, which put them ahead, and small mistakes like that are what we need to be more conscious of. It was frustrating at the time but getting something out of the game is a plus.

Alex Lacey in action for the Gills Picture: Ady Kerry
Alex Lacey in action for the Gills Picture: Ady Kerry

At the end of the day we still picked up point away from home and that is the most important thing. Hopefully we can pick up some form now.

We are up against a strong Portsmouth team this Saturday and we know it is going to be a tough game but we will go with an attitude to try and get something out of the game.

We lost to Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy recently but both teams were much changed from the league and it was probably a good experience for the younger players in the squad.

There will be a bigger crowd there this weekend, probably 20,000.

It should be a good atmosphere and nice environment, playing in a nice big stadium. When I say nice, it will probably be hostile, but these are the games you relish playing it. I quite enjoy it when there is a lot of atmosphere. Those big occasions are what you want to be playing in as a footballer and you look forward to them.

They have the history of playing in the Premier League not so long ago and I remember when they won the FA Cup. They had David James in goal at the time and I remember him from my time at Luton, when he was a coach there.

They have that history behind them but they are the only ones in this division that used to be in the Premier League, with Sunderland and Bradford also now playing at this level, it is no different than playing them.

At the end of the day it is about what is on the pitch on Saturday not anything to do with their history. It is based on recent form and whatever team turns up on Saturday. It will be a big occasion, a tough game but we see no reason why we can't get anything out of it.

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