Boss Justin Edinburgh was disappointed to see his side lose the physical battle early on against Southend.

Gillingham grabbed a point from Saturday’s match with a late equaliser from captain Doug Loft.

Edinburgh said: “The performance typified what we are about. We have got a late equaliser and a fortunate one.

“It was a contrasting game of two halves again. We were dominated first half by Southend, we didn’t win enough first and second contacts, although Stuart Nelson was never really troubled.

“They scored the goal and looked like they were comfortable and we have had to use that never-say-die attitude to get back into the game.

“It was a physical battle that we lost and that is very unlike us. I never really see us getting beat in that department.

“Credit to Southend, again we were up against some experienced players and we are overcoming it, but I still feel we could be dominating games a lot more than we are at home.

"There is no shortage of endeavour or commitment and whenever we close down we go in packs but I feel we could have more trust in possession of the ball.”

It was sloppiness in possession that lad to Southend’s opener.

Edinburgh said: “Joe Piggot and David Mooney (the Southend strikers) caused John Egan and Harry Lennon (Gills central defenders) problems and he (Egan) was hesitant with the goal.

"He got caught under the ball and then perhaps didn’t realise McLaughlin was there and he has dispatched his chance.”

Loft scored the equaliser with a minute left, with a cross that flew in from distance.

Edinburgh said: “It was one of those fluky goals that happen. Did we deserve it? That would always be debatable. We did knock at the door without really testing, there was one good save, but it is what it is."