The patience paid off for the Gills, said boss Justin Edinburgh.

Bradley Dack’s winner came late on but the manager kept his belief that one was around the corner.

He said: “You have to remain patient and keep the belief. We knew it would be a difficult game.

“We started the game well and got the one goal but I always felt we needed that second to maybe open Blackpool up and bring them on to us.

“All in all, we were worthy of the win, we have shown good patience over the last couple of home games.

“We have shown patience to be able to see games out. We have popped up with a 2-1 win after a scrappy second half and those are the three points that could be defining in the end of the season.

“We said this could be a big three points. Blackpool are not the worst side we have played. It was a fantastic result and a very good three points.”

Loft struck the opener from close-range after keeper Colin Doyle failed to hold onto Luke Norris’ free-kick.

But it was all-square early in the second half, with the Gills conceding at home for the first time.

Edinburgh said: “That was disappointing and we should have done better but what the players have done is got over that and got the winning goal.”

Dack fired home the winner, created by substitute Rory Donnelly, who had only been on the pitch for a minute.

“What an impact he made,” said Edinburgh.

“That is what we have to keep drumming in. Everyone, whether you are playing or a sub, you need to be ready to make an impact and he certainly did that when he came on.”

With John Egan and Brennan Dickenson back in the side, it meant someone missing out. That player was Bradley Garmston.

But the summer signing wasn’t sulking at full-time.

“There is fantastic competitive competition in the right manner,” said the manager.

“Bradley was the first to congratulate everyone and every member of staff after that game and that tells you what we are about.

“As harsh as it was, leaving him out of the 18 after playing in a team that won 1-0 and kept a clean sheet. Jordan Houghton missed out, Emmanuel Osadebe was left out, players who have played ever so well.

“We have a good group, great competition and that is what we need.”