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The Shouting Men column: Watford loanee Alex Jakubiak pleased with his Gillingham goal tally but feels he should have had more

We wanted to show everybody on Sunday that we’re not just little Gillingham and that we could give a good account of ourselves.

It was an enjoyable game against West Ham and I think in large spells we did that.

Looking to make things happen against Rochdale Picture: Ady Kerry
Looking to make things happen against Rochdale Picture: Ady Kerry

We tried to look past the fact it was a big occasion with all the fans and a Premier League team coming to town; we wanted to show how good we are and to match them as well as we could.

A few friends of mine that watched said how well we had done. I got loads of messages on twitter and Instagram before the match to wish us luck and that helped. There were close to 11,000 there and even when we were warming up it looked crazy. When we came out before kick-off it was mad!

More on the Gills;

First half of the game it was mostly us but they started bright in the second half, they had a chance within 10 seconds which they should have scored from and that put us on the back foot.

We had our recovery session on Tuesday and the gaffer asked us our thoughts about the game. The main thing was that everyone was disappointed because it was almost a free hit. After the first half we thought we could, at least, get a replay.

Alex Jakubiak celebrates a goal early in the season against Blackpool
Alex Jakubiak celebrates a goal early in the season against Blackpool

I didn’t know until the day that I would be playing, which is the way the gaffer likes to do it. Everyone prepares the same then in that sense.

Sometimes when you know in advance, you might be nervous, especially for a game like that.

I thought beforehand that I had a chance of starting. I had done well recently in games when I had come on, but he could have changed the shape. Credit to him for sticking to our shape and how we play.

Prior to the match I had scored a couple of equalisers late on. It’s a good thing to come off the bench and do well but you don’t just want to be seen as just an impact sub.

Alex Jakubiak has impressed off the bench in recent weeks Picture: Ady Kerry
Alex Jakubiak has impressed off the bench in recent weeks Picture: Ady Kerry

I’ve got seven goals now, six from 12 league starts and that isn’t bad, but I am not happy with it, I could have more. Twelve goals would be nice!

I have had chances in games where I have missed when I should have scored. I do set high standards for myself and I would want more goals but I am top scorer here and I am happy with that.

All of the lads that aren’t starting games are disappointed but that is football. I have been in changing rooms where I have been the one playing and others fighting to get the shirt. I know how hard it is from both ends but when the team are getting results and playing well, when you are not involved it is hard to get in the team.

You just need to do as much as you can when you get that chance.

Alex Jakubiak celebrates scoring the equaliser against Portsmouth on New Year's Day Picture: Ady Kerry
Alex Jakubiak celebrates scoring the equaliser against Portsmouth on New Year's Day Picture: Ady Kerry

Of the seven goals I have scored the best one so far was the one at Fleetwood, scoring late to make it 1-1.

We’ve got Peterborough this weekend and when I was in Watford’s under-18 side I remember scoring a goal of the month against their junior side when I ran from halfway to score. It was ages ago but I still have the trophy!

This is a massive game against Peterborough this weekend. They are just three points ahead of us and that shows how well we have done this season.

We want to keep that going on Saturday. It would be great to win, especially for the gaffer, against his former team.

They spent big money on a player this week and another League 1 side, Portsmouth, have also signed a player I know well, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild. I know him quite well and I was buzzing for him. With any level you step up it is difficult but it will be good move for him and he will do well.

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