Justin Edinburgh admitted his team rode their luck early on against Bradford City but was delighted with the way they ended it.

The Gills boss watched on as his team comfortably kept hold of their lead once John Marquis had broken the deadlock, to beat Bradford City 1-0.

Edinburgh said: “Credit to them, they started brightly and threw a lot at us but not from really opening us up, but with balls into the box, throw-ins and free-kicks and corners. We stood up to the challenge.

“We had to dig deep and defend against a lot of balls into the box and a fast-starting Bradford team, who have got a lot of experience and are still chasing the play-offs.

“Once we got in at half-time, when it was 0-0, I knew there was more to come from the team.

“In terms of open play I think we had far greater chances. In the last 20 minutes we were good value for our win.”

It was a first win in five at Priestfield for the Gills.

“We were a little anxious obviously,” Edinburgh said.

“We haven’t won at home for a period of time, but I thought we went onto win the game and we could have grabbed a couple more in the end.

“With the quality they have in the team, with Stead, Hanson, Clarke and Knott, you know what you are up against.

“I think the back three, marshalled well by Leon Legge and Glenn Morris in goal, dealt with it and as the game grew on we started to impost ourselves. We certainly stretched Bradford and started to play more in their half.

“I am delighted John stepped up and scored the goal. I think a lot of the hard work had been done to stretch the game and contain them.”

It was also a welcome clean-sheet, their first in six,

Edinburgh said: “That took a lot of hard work and team work and I am pleased for the players.

“We haven’t had many since I have been here and that is certainly a very good clean sheet against a strong physical side.”