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Gillingham head coach Ady Pennock on their win at Colchester and pre-season so far

Gills head coach Ady Pennock isn’t getting carried away by their pre-season form.

His side have been unbeaten since their summer campaign got underway, beating Championship side Ipswich and winning at League 2 Colchester on Friday night.

It’s been encouraging but Pennock the only result that will matter is when they play Doncaster next Saturday for the League 1 opener.

Gillingham head coach Ady Pennock Picture: Andy Payton
Gillingham head coach Ady Pennock Picture: Andy Payton

Pennock said: “Pre-season has gone very well and I am pleased with what they have been doing but we will only be judged on August 5 (at Doncaster), that’s for sure.

“There were a few comments after Ipswich, which we won 2-1, but I’m thinking, ‘wow, hang on a minute’ because it’s a case of keeping our feet on the floor. August 5 is the most important game.”


Report: Colchester United 1 Gillingham 2

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The Gills head coach has been pleased with the positive vibes around Priestfield, however, having finished last season fighting against relegation.

“It is nice to hear,” he said. “I am not knocking it.”

Gillingham keeper Tomas Holy claims the ball Picture: Andy Payton
Gillingham keeper Tomas Holy claims the ball Picture: Andy Payton

“We have had some good feedback. I do believe we have some really good characters here and it is a good happy changing room.

“They boys have been working really hard for each other, it is what the Gills fans want. There might be times when we get outplayed and lose 1-0 but I think as long as the players give 100% the fans will be quietly pleased with the fact that they have had a go, although obviously we don’t want to lose any games.


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“There is a bit of belief around the place which is nice and that is what helps when you get fresh faces in.

“The lads who were here last season have added competition, we have had some good vibes and long may it continue.”

Josh Parker is challenged for a cross Picture: Andy Payton
Josh Parker is challenged for a cross Picture: Andy Payton

Lee Martin and Josh Parker scored the goals in a 2-1 win at Colchester.

“It was another good run-out,” said the head coach.

“I’m not too worried about the scoreline, although it does breed confidence. I thought we worked very hard.

“The most important thing was to give the majority of the team 90 minutes, that is important.

Tomas Holy is beaten by former Gills player Ryan Jackson Picture: Andy Payton
Tomas Holy is beaten by former Gills player Ryan Jackson Picture: Andy Payton

“I thought we looked a bit sloppy first 20 minutes to be honest, we just didn’t get it right defensively, from the front, we were a little all over the show.

“I thought there were some excellent balls going forward from the back and when we did that we looked very dangerous. All in all, I was very pleased. There were no injuries either and that is the biggest thing for me. We have come through unscathed and there were two good goals.”

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