Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler changed his team's shape for the visit of Bradford on Saturday and felt it was a decision which helped win his team the game.

Andy Barcham was introduced back into the starting line-up to give the Gills a threat down the left flank while Curtis Weston was pushed down the right.

After drawing their last four matches by playing a narrow 442 formation Hessenthaler chose the more attacking system on Saturday and he was delighted to see it pay off.

"We needed to get back to winning ways," said the Gills manager.

"As much as we had been unbeaten there have been those draws in there, probably too many, so we have bounced back against a difficult side.

"What helped us was having that width in the team. Barcham was pressing the ball high up and he didn't give their full-back a minute's peace. I think that was a big part of our performance that we won the ball higher up the pitch.

"It meant we had to leave Danny Jackman out and he was obviously disappointed but I felt that we needed some width within the team, especially at home to get people off their seats a bit and play at a high tempo."

Curtis Weston proved to be the man playing a key role, supplying the cross for Adebayo Akinfenwa to score the opener before the break, and then hitting the vital second.

"He is really finding his form and we're delighted for him," said Hessenthaler.

"He is a fantastic lad, he has a lot of ability and it was a good strike."

What didn't impress the manager was the performance from Staffordshire-based referee Steve Rushton after a number of strange decisions.

"I think he was testing the patience of everyone in the ground," said Hessenthaler.

"It was just one of those halves where everything just seemed to revolve around the referee. He was just too picky on a number of occasions for both teams.

"It was a shame because it did spoil the first half and the fans were getting frustrated as well."

Despite those frustrations his side were able to extend their winning run to nine games.

Hessenthaler said: "It was a difficult game as they were very direct and used their strength at set plays. We defended ever so well.

"It was a great three points and another clean sheet. Nine games unbeaten, two losses in 19 and we can't ask for any more from the boys."