Gillingham 2 - 1 Colchester

GILLINGHAM manager Neale Cooper lavished praise on his side after they started their League 1 assault with victory over Colchester.

His re-built and patched-up team came from behind to beat their Essex opponents 2-1 in what Cooper described as an "immense" performance.

"I’m very proud as well as being very pleased," said Cooper. "Colchester were a strong side and it was great character to come back and eventually win the game.

"It’s a nice feeling to win and a major credit and a big thank you to the players because they were immense in all departments.

"It was a massive day for me personally and the supporters were brilliant and a big thanks to them and to everyone involved at the club."

Darren Byfield’s 89th minute strike completed Gills’ fight-back after Andrew Crofts’ headed goal had earlier cancelled out Colchester’s opener.

Gillingham were given a tough introduction to life in League 1 as Colchester were determined to ruin Cooper’s day.

And the manager appreciated the quality of opposition which made him all the more thrilled about his side’s performance.

He said: "It was like land of the giants out there, that’s one of the strongest Colchester sides I’ve seen after playing against them in the last two years.

"They were physically strong and that’s a good side we’ve beaten."

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER

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