Andy Hessenthaler was disappointed to see standards slip at Dagenham.

Despite bossing the opening periods the Gills manager saw his team lose 2-1 after turning in a lacklustre second half performance.

It was their failure to capitalise on those early chances that proved costly at Gillingham.

Hessenthaler (pictured) said: “I was disappointed to have lost, especially having gone 1-0 up.

“We had a real good 20 minute spell in the first half where we scored, hit the post a couple of times and their keeper has made a good save. We should have gone on from there.

“In that spell we were well on top and with every set piece we had we looked like we were going to get a goal. But you have to take those opportunities and you also need to get the rub of the green in those areas.”

The Gills conceded on 23 minutes and never recovered.

“We then weren’t good enough in the end and we gave them two silly goals,” Hessenthaler said.

“It was a disappointing night. They were first to the ball for most of the game and we didn’t win enough second balls.

“We know we didn’t show the same standard that we have been showing in the last few weeks.”

Hessenthaler revealed that striker Jo Kuffour, playing in the last game of his loan spell, was playing against their doctor’s advice.

The Gills boss said: “He has been suffering from bronchitis and the doctor said he needed to rest for 10 days. I think he suffered from that so perhaps he shouldn’t have played.”

Fellow striker Danny Kedwell was also having more problems with an injured toe and left-back Joe Martin went off with a calf injury.

One player who did, surprisingly, last 90 minutes was Chris Whelpdale, despite suffering a sickening injury just four days previously.

“It was a slight risk and the doctor told us that,” said Hessenthaler.

“He (the doctor) said perhaps he shouldn’t play but Chris was keen to play and felt good.

“We were pleased he was playing but we looked a bit tired in certain areas and perhaps didn’t show the standard we did on Monday (against Crawley).”

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