Gillingham and Brighton clash after Stefan Payne's tackle Pic: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler will remind his players to keep control of their competitive edge.

Luke Rooney’s opening day sending-off for dangerous play was followed by a flurry of yellow cards at Brighton on Tuesday and a challenge from Stefan Payne that even Hessenthaler admitted deserved a red card.

It takes the Gills’ card count to 10 yellows – seven of which came on Tuesday – and one red from the opening week of the season.

Hessenthaler said: "We lost our discipline (at Brighton) but we are competitive. It looked like we were a dirty team but we are not. The referee at times was picky."

Hessenthaler, with a reputation during his own playing days for getting into trouble with committed displays, will be having words with his players to ensure they keep the right side of the referee.

"We can’t afford to lose players in games, it’s too important," said the Gills boss.

"Stefan is a young lad and I told him he was lucky. He lost his head and you can’t do that.

"If it was me playing, I would have been in the dressing room having a shower because reputations go before you. He shouldn’t have done what he did but he has to learn from that.

"It’s hard for me to say things to them about discipline at times because people know how I played.

"But we have got to monitor it and be disciplined because we can’t afford to lose players in games."

What do you make of Gillingham's physical start to the season? Comment below.