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Gillingham manager Steve Lovell says side must keep pressing until last kick of final game against Plymouth

07:28, 16 April 2018

updated: 10:44, 16 April 2018

It’s not over yet, insists Gillingham boss Steve Lovell.

Another point was added to their tally on Saturday after snatching a late equaliser at Oldham.

They are now seven points clear of the League 1 drop-zone with four games left.

Gills boss Steve Lovell watches on against Oldham Picture: Andy Payton
Gills boss Steve Lovell watches on against Oldham Picture: Andy Payton

With his team trailing 1-0 to Oldham at half-time, Lovell felt some of his players needed reminding that the season is far from over.

He said: “You look at the results (on Saturday) and you see Rochdale winning at Peterborough and Wimbledon winning at Walsall, it is still open.

“When we are on the last game and we go out there against Plymouth and we are alright, then I will be happy, and that’s the way it has to be. We have done great this year but it’s not over yet. There are four to go and we have to get as many points as we can.

“At half-time I had a go at a couple of the boys. I didn’t think they were performing. Second half we looked better.

“People aren’t going to play well all the time, but I need to have that 100% effort. I just felt at times some of the players were thinking ‘it’s over, the season is coming to an end’. It’s not, it’s not coming to an end at all.

“It comes to an end on the last game against Plymouth when that final whistle goes. It is important that I keep on at them so they don’t get into that mode. They are a good bunch, but for me first half I thought there were a couple perhaps were lackadaisical and I can’t have that.”

A draw at Oldham may have disappointed some fans but Lovell knows that is the price of success.

He said: “Because we have done alright people expect us to win games everywhere, it’s not as easy as that.

“I am pleased with what the boys have done, they have worked hard and earned that point against a team struggling to stay in the league. We still have four games to go and we will do everything we can to win them.”

The Gills host promotion chasing Rotherham United at Priestfield on Tuesday night.

Central defender Alex Lacey is expected to be fit again after picking up a knock before the game at Oldham.

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