Andy Hessenthaler and the Gills players leave the field victorious Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler heaped praise on his players after they recorded an impressive 4-2 win over Macclesfield in League 2 on Saturday.

A dominant first half showing helped seal the win with all of Gillingham’s goals coming in the opening 45 minutes at Moss Rose.

“It was fantastic and for me all of the credit goes to the players,” said Gills boss Hessenthaler.

“They were absolutely outstanding. We got a knock early on with the goal from an unfortunate a free-kick. I personally didn’t think it was a free-kick and they scored from a deflection right into the bottom corner.

“The players could have dropped their heads in that situation, but we had plenty of time and we responded very well.

“We got back into the game and then went on from there.

“What we’ve done is work very hard on the training ground. We were a little worried about the two and a half week break, and to see how we responded, but everyone could see we responded the right way.”

Whelpdale, who made it three goals in four games, will now head back to Peterborough along with Charlie Lee

“We’ve lost both of them and it was their last game for us,” said Hessenthaler. “It’s a blow but we have to say 'thank you' to Peterborough for letting us have them for four games.”