Gills Interim Head Coach felt the scoreline was harsh on his players following an excellent first 45 minutes against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Keith Millen felt Tuesday’s result didn’t reflect his side’s performance at Fratton Park against strong Portsmouth side.
Interim Head Coach Keith Millen spoke to the media following his side’s defeat away to Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday evening.
The Gills conceded five goals to a promotion chasing Portsmouth side at Fratton Park, but the coach focused on the positives in what was an impressive first-half display from the Gills, despite the full-time result.
Reflecting on the result:
“We can’t ignore the result. We’ve conceded three goals there from set pieces so we are very disappointed with that. We knew Portsmouth were powerful from set plays so the way we’ve let that happen is a disappointment for me.
“The result sounds like a terrible scoreline, it hides a lot of the pleasing aspects I saw in our performance, especially the first-half where I thought we were excellent.
“The players did everything I asked them to in the first 45 minutes. We saw how good this team can be in possession, being brave on the ball, playing through the lines, end product, that was all really pleasing to see from the team.
“The second half, I felt their pace and power was maybe the difference.
“When they were one v one, I felt we coped exceptionally well with that in the first-half, whereas after the break I think the players found it tough.
“It’s a tough result to take because of our first-half performance, I don’t think it’s really a true reflection of the game we saw.”
On academy players making their First-Team debut:
“The B Team players have been excellent in the games they’ve played.
“They deserved their chance in the first-team. it’s just a shame the way the game faded out.
“The scoreline is no reflection on those debut players, it just demonstrates where Portsmouth are as a club, and that’s where we want to get to ourselves.
“I’m sure those young players will look at that result and be disappointed, but that’s not how they should look at it. It’s a great bit of experience for them and a stepping stone in their careers.”
