Gillingham manager Neil Harris got what he went for at Stockport on Tuesday night.

Keeping a clean sheet was the no.1 priority for his team and they delivered, returning home with a point after a backs to the wall performance against a top-seven side.

• Report: Stockport 0 Gillingham 0

“We had to do what we had to do to get a point,” he said. “We had a plan and the way we played was all based on trying to get a clean sheet. We went there for a clean sheet, for a 0-0, and maybe to try and nick one from a counter or a set-play but I am absolutely delighted.

“We could have done so much more with the ball but we got the clean sheet and I am really happy for my players.

“We have picked up 21 points in 11 games, it is a great return but when we go to places like Stockport, a top, top team, we have to be respectful. In other games where we have gone toe-to-toe with Mansfield and Bradford, we have just fallen short at times in one versus one duels. I am not sure we are ready for that against certain teams so I went for the extra player behind the ball.

“We were always going to give up position, territory and possession, I was comfortable with it. We know they are a crossing team, they put more crosses into the box than anyone else in the league and whatever shape we played they were going to get balls into the box anyway, it was about defending our box.

“I thought the back five was tremendous and the mindset of the group was outstanding. That shows how far we have come as a group, we certainly wouldn’t have done that pre new year and credit goes to my players.”

Just over 200 Gillingham fans were there to watch. They applauded the players off at the end, appreciating the effort they put in to get the point.

Harris said: “I thank them for coming, maybe apologise for the lack of quality at times, or the attacking intent we didn’t have, but they would have seen a Gillingham team they could be proud of, that was backs to the wall.”

It’s back-to-back 0-0 draws on the road now for the Gills. They also picked up a point at Harrogate on Saturday.

Harris said: “We have been to two tough places. Harrogate have won against Doncaster on Tuesday night, they were a good side at the weekend and it was a really good point at their place. This one was an even better point.

"That's two long away journeys. I am not sure we would have got draws in either game before Christmas, I’m absolutely delighted.”