Andy Hessenthaler makes his point to the referee at full-time Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler thanked his side for their performance on Saturday, but was left miffed by some costly refereeing decisions.

Hessenthaler shuffled his side for the match at Port Vale and brought teenagers Jack Evans and Connor Essam into the defence.

The Gills boss saw his side lead until the 81st minute and was left fuming at referee Darren Drysdale.

“I have to be careful what I say or I may get myself into trouble,” said Hessenthaler.

“I went in to see the referee and got a couple of explanations from a couple of situations.

“We’ve lost a game that we didn’t deserve to lose. We were the better team. We have had one-on-ones, and that should have taken the pressure off us as we should have scored.

“Then we have had Gavin Tomlin go through on goal and their fella (who fouled Tomlin on the edge of the box) doesn’t even get a yellow card. I’m miffed. I am disappointed with their (the officials’) explanation.

“They felt it wasn’t a red card and it wasn’t even deemed a yellow card. I just can’t understand where these people are coming from. I have been in the game a long time and I thought it was a straight red. That would have changed the complexion of the game.

“I also believe the ball was out for the second goal. Even their stewards and goalkeeper coach said the ball was out. We haven’t had the luck there.”

But despite the defeat Hessenthaler was delighted to see an improved display.

“As for the performance, it was absolutely outstanding,” he said.

“I couldn’t ask for any more from the players. If they show that desire and commitment and the way to play football from now until the end of the season then we will be okay.

“I thanked the players in the dressing room.”

Essam and Evans, in particular, put in great performances.

Hessenthaler said: “We have been asking ourselves 'are they ready?' I think they proved that they are ready and I thought they were terrific, along with everyone else.

“We had a young team out there and we had Simon King, who has had a tough time with his ankle. He has just got over a couple of injections. He was out on his feet at the end.

“I said to the boys ‘keep your heads up’. The directors came in afterwards and they were enthused by the way the boys went out and tried to play and with their commitment.

“I have already had a text from the chairman and we just need to keep showing that (sort of performance) until the end of the season. Allthough we are still on a real bad run I couldn’t thank them enough for that performance.”

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