Gillingham 1 Crewe Alexandra 1

ONE win. That is what Gills assistant boss Ronnie Jepson thinks the Blues need to stay in the Championship.

With just three matches left, Gillingham are hovering just two points above the relegation zone but Jepson reckons three more points will suffice.

And he is hopeful they can get it before the last game of the season away at Nottingham Forest.

He said: "I think maybe we need another win. I think another win might be enough. When we first came here, if you'd have said there was a chance we could stay in the league with three games to go, we'd have snatched your hand off.

"In an ideal world you wouldn't want it to go to the last game but we'll take whatever comes. We'll keep working hard on the training ground and hopefully we'll get what we need.

"We know what we need. We know what's required and we don't have to rely on anyone else."

While praising the entire team for their efforts on a good day for the neutral at Priestfield, he was particularly pleased for Nicky Southall, who ended his goal drought and claimed a vital point for the Gills.

It was Southall's first goal since he netted in the 3-0 home win over Brighton in March 2003.

"It was a great strike from Nicky," he added. "I think he was due one but it was well worth waiting for. It was a smashing goal."

"They're all going to be tense games between now and the end of the season but the lads dug in well and got the equaliser.

"I thought territorially we batted them. If we'd been a bit cuter in the box at times and got on the end of things we might have won it comfortbaly.

"It was frustrating at times but at least we're getting in the right areas, that's the main thing, and then it's just converting those chances. You win games or lose games on the chances you convert."

Darius Henderson almost won the game right at the death and Jepson admitted he thought the Gills striker had scored a last-gasp winner.

He said: "We thought it was in. He headed it down well but their kid's done well on the line, but that's what he's there for. And that's the difference between winning and drawing."

GILLS JURY

"I knew it was going to be a hard game as they’re a good footballing side and I thought we were lucky to come away with a draw. But the players never give up now under Stan Ternent and that’s the thing I like best.

"Both teams played well and I would have accepted the point before the match. Paul Scally needs to sit down and try and keep Stan now – we need to sign him up quick." (Pam Tyler, Gillingham)
Team rating: 7

"I’m pleased with the draw, but it was a messy game. Crewe were poor defensively and I think if we were a bit better and showed a bit more oomph then we could have taken advantage of the gaps at the back.

"When we went to 1-1 it was a shame we didn’t press on." (Paula Baker, Rochester)
Team rating: 6

"Despite the Gills having the better of the opening exchanges, it was Crewe who looked the more threatening in front of goal. If Crewe still had Dean Ashton or a player who can poach goals in their side they would have put at least three goals past us. Overall, it was a point gained for the Gills." (Keith Pestell, Rainham)
Team rating: 7

"I’d say it was a fair result, there was no way we were outplayed.

"Crewe are one of the best sides we’ve played against in the last two months. They were skilful, slick and co-ordinated and it seemed to dawn on us in the second- half that a point would be a good result." (Daniel Booth, South London)
Team rating: 7

Related articles:

Gills v Crewe: match report
Gills v Crewe: how the players rated