Andy Hessenthaler watches on from the sidelines Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

A delighted Andy Hessenthaler saluted the Gillingham squad after their Boxing Day win at Crawley.

The Gills boss was forced into making four changes for their trip to the League 2 leaders but came away clutching three points.

“We are the delighted with the boys,” said the Gills boss, who has overseen a run of nine games without a defeat.

“We had to make four changes with Frank Nouble going back (to West Ham), Charlie Lee was suspended, while we lost skipper Andy Frampton and Lewis Montrose to injury. It shows what a squad we have got.”

Crawley had a player sent off with 19 minutes gone but took a first-half lead after Matt Tubbs converted from the spot following a foul in the area by Matt Lawrence.

“It was a silly challenge from Matt and he has held his hands up,” said Hessenthaler.

“He didn’t need to make the challenge but it was a poor clearance from Kedwell and they got the penalty.

“It’s not easy to play against 10 men and you have to give them a lot of credit for that. They took a few risks and got the goal.

“We just had to use the extra man and we did that very well when we came back out. We got the two goals and then probably were just a little disappointed we didn’t go on from there, but again to give them credit, they took a few risks and the two boys upfront are a constant threat.

“Our two centre-halves have been in a proper game and we defended very well.”

Luke Rooney was sent off late on for a second foul in the space of 10 minutes.

Rooney was recalled, having been dropped after refusing to sign an extension to his contract, due to a player shortage.

“He hasn’t agreed a deal,” said the Gills boss. “He has done very well but it’s unfortunate that he has picked up two yellows through two challenges. I am not sure about them, especially the second one. It looked as though their player has gone over quite easily and the referee sent him off.”

Heated words were exchanged after the game with Gills defender Garry Richards and Crawley manager Steve Evans both yelling expletives.

Hessenthaler backed his player but refused to dwell on the incident when asked.

“I am not going to get involved,” he said. “I am worried about my own team. My team have won the game and we will enjoy the result and then prepare for Friday (against Dagenham.”

One player who could be missing that game is Chris Whelpdale (pictured right). He suffered an horrific injury in the second half after a challenge by David Hunt.

“He is probably going to have about five stitches in his testicle. He split them open believe it or not and it was an absolutely disgusting in injury. It was a shocking challenge.

“He carried on for a bit and then had a look and probably he scared himself with the cut. We will keep our fingers crossed that he will be available.”

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