Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler suggested his side should have been celebrating a rout at Aldershot after goals from Frank Nouble and Chris Whelpdale bagged them a 2-1 win.

Nouble and Whelpdale’s efforts both came before the break as the visitors threatened to run riot, but Scott Davies’ second-half strike ensured the Gills endured a nervy final 10 minutes.

Hessenthaler said: “We looked like we were going to score every time we moved forward, it could have easily been three or four at half-time.

“I thought the first-half was the most complete performance this season, with or without the ball. Had it been 4-0 at half time it would have been the right result.

“We had to stay strong second-half and we defended terrifically.

“We had opportunities to get the third goal so all in all our first-half performance won us the game.”

Meanwhile, Hessenthaler was full of praise for his star striker who had been a real doubt for the game:

“Danny Kedwell was outstanding, so were all of the lads. Danny will work his socks off for you.”

“We were concerned about whether or not we should play him because of his toe injury but he played very well.”

Hessenthaler’s side have moved up to eighth in League Two and are now starting to show the level of football required to climb out of this division.

On Tuesday it is back to FA Cup action at Priestfield with Bournemouth visiting for the First Round replay. Strikers Frank Nouble and Jo Kuffour will both miss the game, with the former’s loan spell having come to an end and the latter refused permission by his parent club, Bristol Rovers, from taking part in the game.