Press article:

Cardiff crushing has Gillingham reeling - 16/09/2003

Gillingham will have a big point to prove tonight after being on the wrong end of an embarrassing five goal mauling at the weekend.

Andy Hessenthaler's side went into Saturday's clash at Cardiff on something of a high after overturning a 3-1 deficit to beat Millwall 4-3 in their previous match.

That win left them handily placed in table, with just one defeat in their opening six fixtures, but the mood of optimism quickly evaporated at Ninian Park as four goals from Rob Earnshaw helped the newly-promoted side to a comprehensive success.

It was an afternoon to forget for keeper Jason Brown, who was to blame for at least two of the goals, and you'd have thought the last thing he needed right now was a date with Huckerby, Crouch and Co. But the highly-rated youngster insists he can't wait to be thrown back into the firing line again.

"I'm big enough and ugly enough to hold my hands up and admit I didn't have the best game in the world on Saturday," he said. "Fortunately there's another match on Tuesday night and if selected it's an ideal opportunity to get straight back on to it.

"If I am left out I couldn't blame the manager. But if I'm selected I will give it 110pc to show people why I am the number one and why I won the player of the year award."

Player manager Hessenthaler was so angry with the performance of his team that he refused to face the media afterwards, fearing he might say something out of place. It was left to his assistant Wayne Jones and his embarrassed keeper to face the music.

"We have a good away record and our side were bigger than Cardiff's yet they still scored two goals from headers," admitted Jones, who went to a reveal that a fuming Hessenthaler had clashed angrily with the referee as the goals flew in.

"Andy was told to leave the dug-out by the referee after Cardiff scored their third goal but he refused to go until he was told that he would be able to take his place on the field as a substitute later in the game.

"As soon as he came on the field just before half-time the side perked up a bit and with his organisation we were able to hold Cardiff at bay for most of the second half. But by then it was too late."

Brown added: "They were a good side and made it difficult for us. But we defended poorly which didn't help."

Hessenthaler reacted to the thrashing by calling his players in for extra training on Sunday and is expected to make changes for the clash with the Canaries.

Midfielder Paul Smith and striker Tommy Johnson are both available again after missing Saturday's debacle through injury and suspension respectively and both expected to start, with Daniel Spiller and Mamady Sidibe poised to step down. Hessenthaler might also decided to recall himself to spice things up

www.edp24.co.uk

What is your opinion about this article?
Start a new topic at our forum!