Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler and captain Andy Frampton celebrate at ther final whistle Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler felt his side were worthy winners after overcoming Bournemouth in the FA Cup at the second attempt on Tuesday night.

Gillingham came from 3-1 down last Saturday to earn a replay at Priestfield and they won another entertaining game 3-2 to book their place in round two.

“Over the 90 minutes we deserved to win the game and I thought for the first half an hour we were terrific,” said Gills boss Hessenthaler.

“We got the goal and the only criticism of the boys was that we let them off the hook a little bit, perhaps we should have gone on and got another goal. They came back into it late on in the first half.

“We didn’t really get going in the second half and we were forced to make a change as Chris Whelpdale was not feeling particularly well. He was coming down with a chest infection according to the doctor.”

Stefan Payne was brought on as the Gills reverted to a 4-4-2 formation after leaving Danny Kedwell as the sole striker in the first half.

“We had to re-jig it a bit,” said Hessenthaler. “They got a goal back, where we should have done better, but the left winger (Scott Malone) was a good player and Charlie Lee played him pretty well.”

Lee was beaten for pace by Malone and his cross was deflected into the Gills net.

“Unfortunately it went in off Frampton for an own goal but we kept plugging away and I knew we had enough in the team to still create chances,” said Hessenthaler.

“It just showed the character we have in the team. It was a fantastic second goal. I know it was a tap in for Garry at the back post but it was great play from Lee, very positive. Then for the third goal it was a great finish from the youngster Stefan Payne.”

Bournemouth scored a free-kick in the first minute of stoppage-time to make for a nervy finish.

Hessenthaler added: “We couldn’t do too much about their second goal, which was a fantastic strike although I thought it was a foul on Stefan Payne leading up to it, but the referee missed it.

“It was a great win for us and it keeps the momentum going.”

Do you think the Gills can now go on and beat Leyton Orient in round 2? Comment below.