Clemence has a bad day thanks to Halliday

GILLS boss Stephen Clemence admitted his team have scored insufficient goals as their play-off hopes diminished.

The defeat at Bradford was their second in five days in Yorkshire, leaving the Kent side five points behind the top seven. But Gillingham had several scoring chances before Brad Halliday grabbed the only goal just before half-time.

Clemence said: “That’s been the story of our season – not enough goals.

“I felt we played well first half. We had three excellent chances but didn’t put them in the net.

“The pitch was difficult and the wind made the conditions worse. It was hard to get the ball down and play but I can’t fault the players’ efforts.

“I wasn’t happy at Harrogate last week but they had a go. They are trying their best but it must be demoralising when the ball doesn’t go in.

“There is obviously a lot of work to be done at the club and we’ve got to get better. It’s been like this for a couple of years. We’ll work hard and make sure we do better – and we will.”

Bradford goalkeeper Sam Walker was put to the test and early on saved from Oli Hawkins and Conor Masterson, while Daniel Oyegoke cleared off the line to deny Timothee Dieng.

Halliday marked his 100th appearance for the Bantams with the 20-yard winner.

Gills’ trips north in the past few days have been disappointing, following Easter Monday’s 5-1 thrashing in Harrogate. But they must have been wondering how they trailed at half-time.

Walker tipped over Oli Hawkins’ header from Remeao Hutton’s cross before Daniel Oyegoke pulled off a goal-line clearance to deny Timothee Dieng.

He then left Conor Masterson holding his head in disbelief with his reflex save.

Afterwards, City manager Graham Alexander said: “The consistency we’re looking for is epitomised in Brad Halliday. He deserved that winner because he’s been superb for us. To play 100 games in two years is the resilience we’re looking for from our team, never mind an individual.”

He added: “We were in a difficult moment these past three games but I thought the players showed exceptional strength of character to get seven points from nine.

“I thought there were some really strong performances. I don’t think they had a shot on target in the second half and that’s great credit to the players. We need to build on from that.”