Gillingham’s spirit shone through for boss Steve Lovell on Saturday.

An early second half goal for Scunthorpe cancelled out Gills’ first half opener but Lovell’s men then struck twice more to win 3-1.

“I was very pleased to get the win,“ said Gills boss Lovell.

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Report: Scunthorpe United 1 Gillingham 3

“It’s not just the win, it was the way we went about it.

“In the first half we started very well and controlled the first 25 minutes. The goal (scored by Lee Martin) was thoroughly deserved.

“They were going to come at us and have a go, they did and they got their equaliser, but the spirit of the boys showed how much they wanted it.”

Lovell was disappointed last weekend, despite a win over Rochdale, as his team sat back on a lead, making it hard for themselves.

They remained on the front foot this time around.

He said: “We worked on how to not sit back and how to believe in ourselves when we win the ball, to keep it and use it better and we did.

“Every time we got the ball second half on the counter attack it looked as if we were going to do something and I am pleased about that.

“First 20-25 minutes I was just so pleased with the way that we played, even if we had lost 2-0. I could see there was a progression there.

“It is a great three points. They are a good side, they aren’t there for no reason (Scunthorpe were fourth before the weekend) but we gave them a good game and went home with a good 3-1 win, brilliant.”

It was a third win in a row for Lovell’s men.

“It’s lovely isn’t it?” he said, with a big grin.

“It’s our job, it’s what we do and what we have to keep doing, we have to continue doing it. We will regroup on Monday ready for Fleetwood next Saturday. I am really looking forward to that.”