GILLS player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has called fans that jeered his substitutions against Derby County on Saturday "pathetic".

The biggest boos came when player-coach Iwan Roberts came on for Mamady Sidibe, while the decision to replace Matthew Jarvis with Tommy Johnson was also unpopular.

Hessenthaler said: "The crowd reaction to the substitutions was pathetic. We were a goal down and had centre-forwards on the bench who are liable to get you a goal.

"Unfortunately Sidibe just hasn't got a goal in him at the moment, so we brought the big man Iwan on. We didn't make these decisions to upset the fans but to try and get something from the game.

"The reaction just shows the mentality of people around here. It shows people don't know the game."

Hessenthaler, frustrated at missing the game with an ankle injury, said: "I don't think 2-0 reflects the game.

"We had enough of the ball in the second half to salvage something, but although we huffed and puffed we lacked quality when we needed it.

"We put in lots of effort and I can't fault the lads for that, but when you're down there fighting the luck doesn't fall for you."

Hessenthaler should be available for the next game on Saturday away at Crewe Alexandra, but Nicky Southall (thigh) and Darren Byfield (knee) who resume training this week are unlikely to be up to match fitness.