Gillingham boss Steve Evans admitted the half-time team talk at Accrington wasn’t pleasant - but it did the trick.

The Gills had more of the play second half and got a winning goal through Regan Charles-Cook.

Report: Accrington 0 Gillingham 1

Evans said: “I couldn’t repeat what I said and it wasn’t very nice.

“They were better than us first half and they were better than us because some of our players didn’t turn up and didn’t do the things we pride ourselves on as a management team, working hard and discipline and having a real shape.

“We had a word at half time. I didn’t need to shout at them because they knew.

“We calmly went through it with them, we said this is how we need to affect the game, this is how we need to free up Regan in good areas.

“We changed things, we changed the shape of the team, that got us into the ascendency and we got the goal through some great play, beautiful passing and a great finish from Regan.

“The boys were hugging me at the end, including the captain, saying well that was the difference, that passage of play that put in Regan, he finished it.”

Gillingham were grateful to some good saves from Jack Bonham in the game, too.

Evans said: “Jack made a save or two but equally, I don’t know why we are not given a penalty kick, it was identical to Shrewsbury last week.

“Alex Jakubiak has been taken out, in the box, but it’s not given. That would have killed it.

“We had to rely on our goalkeeper with two or three smart saves but I am fed up with watching other goalkeepers do that against us, so I am pleased.

“It’s a tough place to go. John Coleman (Accrington manager) and Jimmy Bell (the assistant) along with the chairman have done a wonderful job with the club, so it is a good win for us.”