Hairdryer treatment from Justin Edinburgh got Gills firing again
ByPA Sport Report
Published 06/10/2015 at 21:42 GMT
A half-time dressing down from Justin Edinburgh worked for Gillingham as they came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over Luton in the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
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Second-half goals from Max Ehmer and replacement Bradley Dack proved vital after Cameron McGeehan's fifth goal of the season had put the visitors in front shortly before half-time.
And it took Edinburgh ripping into his players at the break to get the desired response against Sky Bet League Two opposition - according to assistant manager David Kerslake.
"The first half wasn't anywhere near good enough, it was below the standards we've set. We didn't defend well for their goal, we should have got more pressure on ball," he said.
"The first-half performance shouldn't represent us - we're about being on the front foot, getting after people, having shots and making crosses, and we didn't see any of it.
"The manager let them know that at half-time. We're not going to accept that. We expected a lot more in front of our fans and I'm pleased with their response.
"We got sloppy towards the end, possibly down to tiredness, but overall in the second half we took the game to them and dominated."
Hatters boss John Still could take plenty of positives from his side's showing.
"I thought we deserved something from that, I was delighted with our performance. I wouldn't have put a team out that I didn't think could win," he said.
"I thought we controlled the first half, and we pushed them again at the end.
"We had to work our socks off second half - I think some people were a bit tired at the end, but they all put in top performances.
"I'm delighted with every player involved tonight, absolutely delighted with them."
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