Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler admitted he was speechless after his side came back from 2-0 and 4-2 down to beat Hereford United 5-4 on Tuesday night.

In what will be remembered for a very long time by Gillingham fans, the side showed the kind of fighting spirit that has seen them climb back up to ninth in League Two, just three points outside the play-off places.

The game seemed lost within just seven minutes going 2-0 down, but Gillingham were level with goals either side of the break , but once again found themselves two goals behind with just ten minutes to go.

Substitute Charlie Lee’s double got them back on terms with Gavin Tomlin bagging the winner deep into injury time, leaving Hessenthaler unable to believe what he had just seen, telling the club’s official website:

“I’m speechlees really. It was incredible.”

“I’ve never been involved in a game like that, I’ve got to say, but I’m delighted we won the game. It was just a crazy game – I don’t think I’ll be sleeping well tonight because it’ll all be going around in my head.”

“I feel for Jamie (Pitman) because they’ve come away from home, scored four goals and not won the game. It’s a crazy game of football, but that is football.”

“Unfortunately, when things aren’t going for you, they aren’t going for you. He’ll be proud of his team tonight, they did ever so well, but I’m also proud of my team because we showed a lot of character tonight to come back from the early start.”

“It was a real shock to the system to be 2-0 down in the blink of an eye and then having got it back to 4-4 to give away a penalty is sickening, but Paolo has saved it and the rest is history.”

Meanwhile, Pitman struggled to contain his frustration after Gazzaniga was not sent off for bringing down Barkhuizen and the keeper then dusted himself down to save Purdie’s kick that led to Tomlin’s late winner.

“I’m in a bit of daze really right now and it’s hard for to find the words,” said Pitman. “First and foremost I can’t believe the referee hasn’t sent off their goalkeeper in the last minute when he brought down Tom.

“He’s the last man and Tom is clean through, there’s no doubt that was a red card and for some reason he’s only given him for a yellow and I can’t for the life of me understand why. I’ll be having a word with the referee about that but my players have let themselves down in this game as well.”

Next up for Gillingham is a trip to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, knowing full well that if results were to go their way, they could be back within the top seven and looking at securing a play-off spot.

Funny how a few weeks can be both a long time in football, but can alter your season dramatically.

Picture by Jack Gracie