Taylor hits out as Gills poor form continues
GILLINGHAM manager Peter Taylor hit out at a small section of his side’s support following this home defeat to Chesterfield.
Jimmy Ryan secured the Spireites’ first away league win since August with a well-executed volley shortly after the Gills had fought back from two goals down to level.
A handful of supporters voiced their displeasure with Taylor at full-time, something which he said shouldn’t be a part of the game.
“They say that’s football and you have to put up with it, but I don’t agree with that,” he said. “You work hard all week to get the team right, and you have to listen to that coming off the pitch. It’s wrong.
“They’re saying awful things, Everybody’s emotions are high, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to disrespect people.”
Despite missing a number of key players through injury and suspension – which led to them only naming four substitutes – the Spireites started brightly. Armand Gnanduillet had his header from Gary Roberts’ corner cleared off the line by Brennan Dickenson in the sixth minute.
The visitors went ahead shortly after, when Sam Clucas’ effort from an acute angle deflected in off Gills defender John Egan.
Their lead doubled nine minutes after the break, as Leon Legge diverted Tendayi Darikwa’s blazed cross into his own net.
However, the Gills scored twice in 180 seconds to draw themselves level. Substitute Cody McDonald headed in from Joe Martin’s pin-point delivery, before Egan headed in at the back post for his fourth goal in as many games from Doug Loft’s cross.
“When we got the equaliser, I felt we were better than them,” added Taylor.“I’m not sure a comeback like that would have happened too many times last year. I fancied us to kick on, we showed good spirit.”
Instead, Ryan struck his delightful winner on 69 minutes after Gillingham failed to clear their lines to give the visitors only their second league win in 11 games.
However, the Gills should have earned a point in the 95th minute, but McDonald volleyed wide with the last kick of the game when through on goal.
“I thought the win was thoroughly deserved based on our play and application,” said Spireites assistant Leam Richardson.
“The lads showed professionalism, albeit we had a couple of mad minutes.
“I thought our best spell of football came after they scored their two goals.We started controlling things more.”