“Criminal” defending enrages Gills boss

A shocked Andy Hessenthaler cut a pensive figure during his post-match press conference following Gillingham’s 4-3 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon. The Gills boss bemoaned his side’s defensive frailties after letting slip a 3-1 lead in the final 20 minutes to fall to their second consecutive league defeat.

“I’m very shocked”, Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent. “To be 3-1 up with 20 minutes to go and lose the game is criminal.” Last week’s defeat to fellow promotion contenders Shrewsbury Town left the former Dover Athletic manager critical of his side’s defending and Saturday’s weaknesses have further indicated Hessenthaler’s potential need for changes. He continued: “That’s two weeks in a row, we just can’t defend. We’re at a stage now where we’ve lost two on the bounce and with 20 games to go, do I need to do something about it defensively? I think I do yes.”

Two debut goals from the on-loan Gavin Tomlin had given the Kent-based club a healthy advantage but the final outcome has left the Gills boss sympathizing with his new recruits. He added: “I felt really sorry for the new boys, Joe (Kuffour), Gavin Tomlin and Danny Kedwell playing against his old club, I’m devastated for them because to put ourselves in that great position at 3-1 and to then throw it away is not acceptable.”

Last season the Priestfield club agonizingly missed out on a playoff place, there is a danger that something similar could happen again and Hessenthaler is hoping to spur his players forward in order to right the wrongs of the previous campaign. He concluded: “It’s got to stop now otherwise the season will just fizzle out again and it will be another season of not achieving anything, we’re here to achieve something.”

Saturday’s defeat has left Gillingham in the familiar position of just outside the playoffs, Hessenthaler’s strong words are sure to evoke a response heading into the business end of the season.