Gills halt their slide as Iron feel the Byrne

RELIEF was the overriding emotion for Gillingham boss Steve Lovell after his side ended a dismal recent run of form with a hardfought victory over Scunthorpe United to climb out of the League One relegation zone.

The Gills were winless in five in all competitions heading into the match, and without a home league victory since Boxing Day, but Mark Byrne’s powerful 20-yard strike on the half-hour mark settled the contest.

Lovell cut a much different figure than the one who berated his players for their immaturity and claimed they were on their way to falling out of football altogether after last week’s 4-1 defeat to Barnsley – admitting he was content at their response.

“It’s a relief to get the three points,” said Lovell. “I’m pleased with the way we played, especially in the first half. The second half showed our character.

“It’s not nice going through a run when there’s nothing going for you. It’s hard to accept it, and even harder to dig in and come through it.

“I’ve said all along that the boys are a great bunch and I felt proud of them. It hasn’t been easy the past few weeks, but you have to stay strong and positive.

“Getting the three points will do them the world of good mentally.”

Lovell also reserved particular praise for match-winner Byrne, saying: “He’s such a hardworking midfielder. He had an exceptional game.”

Byrne could have scored a second as his low drive bounced wide, while Brandon Hanlan and Graham Burke also failed to hit the target for the hosts but, at the other end, Tomas Holy did superbly to repel Rory McArdle and Tom Pearce.

Scunthorpe boss Stuart McCall warned his players against complacency, with the Iron now just seven points clear of safety “I had a word with the lads at the hotel, and then again when we got here, about not thinking that we’re safe,” explained the Scot.

“We wanted to be at full throttle because we knew Gillingham would be a wounded animal after losing to Barnsley last week.

“We need to realise that we’ve got to get as many points as we can as there are a lot of tight games in this league.

“In games like this you’ve got to scrap and battle.”