Head Coach Stephen Crainey spoke to the press after his side’s goalless draw against Gillingham at Priestfield Stadium on Easter Monday.
It was a cagey affair for both sides as they looked to get one up on each other as the season draws closer to the end. Neither side was able to really test the opposite side’s goalkeeper during the 101 minutes played, with Town’s eyes now firmly set on the Wimbledon at the weekend.
Here’s what Stephen had to say in his interview:
On the clash against Gillingham…
“We will see this as a point gained come the end of the season; it’s a tough place to come as Gillingham throw everything they’ve got at you. They’re a direct football team who have [Vadaine] Oliver up front, but I thought everyone stood up as a man and they were all counted today.
“We had a couple of flashes across the goal in the first half, Ellis [Harrison] was unlucky not to get on the end of a Cian [Hayes] cross from the right-hand side. The mentality of the group was outstanding, and I was pleased with most today.
“We’re going to need that character every single game in the run-in. I keep saying it, they’re cup finals from now until the end of the season and with that, we want to go and win the game against Wimbledon. We’re going to get rested up, recover from today and hopefully get a positive result come Saturday.”
On what was expected at Priestfield…
“The first 15 minutes at Oxford killed us, but the rest of the time in the game was similar to today. We battled really well in that game, unlucky not to get the draw, and we battled hard today again and got the point we needed. We need to maintain those standards if we are going to stay in this league.
“I thought considering the amount of time he [Josh Harrop] was out with his hamstring injury, he was very good in the game today and you can see the quality he’s got. You could see he tired a little bit towards the end, which was understandable, but I was pleased with him whilst he was on the pitch.
“I said to the group that this is what the game would invite and that’s exactly what happened, we know how Gillingham plays, and if you don’t stand up to be counted, you will get punished for it – we did it to a man today.”
On Paddy Lane’s injury…
“It’s too early to say anything on Paddy [Lane]’s injury, he’s still with the medical team. It was just a coming together, but it looked like an old-school full-blooded challenge from the side, I feel it’s a bit harsh sending both players off because the both of them were fully committed so it’s a little bit frustrating in that sense, but the main thing is Paddy’s welfare.
“He’s been outstanding and is always around the top of the charts for goals and assists this season so hopefully he’s ok. He’s been sent off in the game so it’s going to be disappointing losing Paddy, but it gives someone else a chance to come into the team and stake their claim.”