Andy Hessenthaler was disappointed to see the lack of quality in his Gillingham team on Saturday during the 1-1 draw with Accrington at Priestfield.

The Gills failed to pick up a home win for the second time in two weeks and it was a blow to manager Hessenthaler (pictured).

Last week they lost to an injury-time penalty against Shrewsbury and they conceded again late on this weekend.

“It would have been devastating to lose again,” said Hessenthaler, who was relieved to see Luke Rooney pull things level from the penalty spot.

“It wasn’t the greatest performance in the world last week and I was a lot more critical last week than I was this week. It wasn’t through a lack of effort it was just that the quality for me was missing.

“It was the right result and I don’t think we deserved to lose the game. After going behind we had a little bit of luck by getting the penalty and Rooney has tucked it away.”

Rooney’s penalty ensured it wasn’t a third straight defeat for Hessenthaler’s men.

“There is something missing from us at the moment,” said the Gills boss.

“There are no excuses, we are not firing like we should be firing. There was a bit of quality missing in the final third.

“Defensively, other than the goal, I thought we were okay and the boys did fine. Someone gave the keeper man-of-the-match but he hasn’t had much to do. That’s not being disrespectful to him but neither keeper was really tested.

“I think we need to improve and improve quite quickly.”

The side did show good character to bounce back immediately after conceding but it was too little too late.

Hessenthaler said: “Why does it take us to concede a goal to come out of the blocks, with however long was left, to step it up and have a bit more belief.

“Maybe there is a lack of belief and there are a few players who are down on their own performances. Also, we have an opposition who have come and worked hard and we need to give them credit.

“We are not pleased but it’s not life or death; it’s not that we’ve got two weeks to live, it’s a game of football and we have to improve and we have to get better.”

Do you agree with Andy Hessenthaler? Was a draw the right result? Are Gills lacking quality? Have your say in our comments section below.