Defender Gabriel Zakuani felt the Gills deserved something from Saturday’s game.

Gillingham were beaten 1-0 at home by Bradford in League 1.

“We had more than enough chances,” said Zakuani.

“It is encouraging because they are one of the favourites and we took them to the end. We feel disappointed and that shows how far we have come.

“We were pushing for an equaliser at the end but we just have to move on quickly and turn the wrongs into rights for next week.”

Zakuani felt the Gills should have won a penalty when Conor Wilkinson was fouled in the box but wasn’t so certain about his team-mate’s sending off later.

“It was a clear penalty,” said 31-year-old Zakuani. “I was quite surprised he didn’t give that one. Little things didn’t go for us.”

And on the red card, he added: “There wasn’t a lot of contact but studs were up and he gave the referee a decision to make, it was unlucky.

“We will try and get over that (result) as quickly as possible. The longer you dwell on it, it gets on your mind and you start doing things you wouldn’t normally do. We have to keep working hard and the points will come.

“Compared to last season we are solid, organised and we will be disappointed with the goal we conceded.

“They barely had any chances until we started throwing people forward.

“We are organised and just need to be a bit more ruthless, in their box. That will come, the more we play together, we will get to know each other’s game.”

Zakuani is the experienced head at the back for the Gills and he’s enjoying being a leading figure in the team.

He said: “I was brought in here to (help others) and I know my role that I have to help the team.

“There are quite a few of us in the team who need to be leaders, the squad lacked it a bit last year and I can bring that to the table, adding to the leaders who are already here.

“If I can scream at someone to cover me it makes my job easier. If it means there is less running for me then I like that!”