Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler felt his side didn’t turn up as they were held to a goalless draw against Bradford on Saturday.
The home side failed to show the incisive edge to unlock a tight Bradford City defence despite Jo Kuffour hitting the woodwork in the opening few minutes with a spectacular scissor kick.
James Hanson was guilty of spurning a great opportunity to score at the other end and substitute Nakhi Wells had an effort ruled out for offside with twenty minutes to go.
Gills sub Stefan Payne was also denied as the home side pressed for all three points, but in the end they had to settle for a draw that left boss Hessenthaler frustrated:
“We didn’t get going at all, four or five players just didn’t turn up,” he said. “They did what I thought they’d do, come and frustrate us and the crowd. When you’re down there trying to get as many points as you can that’s what is best for the team to do.”
“We didn’t earn the right to play. The ball spent too much time in the air and we have to give Bradford a lot of credit as well.”
“It was one to forget, but it’s football, I can’t be too critical of the boys because we’ve been on a decent run.”
“The good thing is we didn’t get beat. We kept the unbeaten run going, we’ve gone up a place but we’re disappointed with the performance.”
Hessenthaler continued: “We’re frustrated, we didn’t turn up, it’s an opportunity missed but we’ve only lost one game at home all season.”
Indeed Hessenthaler is correct and the point earned sees his side climb to seventh in League One, making it five games unbeaten.
With the focus now switching to the FA Cup game at Leyton Orient next weekend, Hessenthaler has a week in which to shuffle his pack once again with Frank Nouble and Jo Kuffour to sit out once again.
Matt Lawrence will miss the game after picking up his fifth booking of the season, so the likes of Matt Fish, Lewis Montrose and Stefan Payne will all be pressing for a place in the starting eleven.
Both Chris Whelpdale and Danny Jackman will hopefully be fit to make the trip in what could turn out to be a lucrative trip for The Gills.