GillINGHAM’S assistant manager Wayne Jones was delighted with the way the side performed in Saturday's 2-0 victory in a friendly against Conference side Gravesend & Northfleet at Stonebridge Road.

Jones said: “First half we were really pleased. They didn't look like scoring. They are a decent Conference side, and we got the two goals.

“Iwan (Roberts) got a couple of headers and might have done a bit better so, with a little bit of luck, we could have come off at half-time three or four up. We are pleased with it, especially the first half performance against the eleven.”

The match ended as a contest when Fleet defender Lee Protheroe was sent-off just before half-time as after stopping Darren Byfield’s goal-bound shot with his hand.

Jones recognised the referee’s position, as the player had blatantly stopped a certain goal, and under the letter of the law the official really had no choice, although it did affect the game greatly.

“The referee told us before the game that if he had to he would have to send a player off. They’re been recorded now, and it was a hand ball and it prevented a goal. It didn’t help us as the second half was a little bit easier, we had a lot of play.”

One thing not helping the Gills on the day was the pitch which, according to Jones, hindered their first half progress.

“The pitch looks brilliant, it’s lush, but it’s dry and you can’t move the ball. It gets stuck under your feet. What we could have done with is a bit of water on it.”

Another strong starting XI began the match, and although still a fortnight away from the start of the season, Jones reckons the team that started isn’t a million miles away from what could begin the season.

“I wouldn’t put money on it definitely been our first XI, although it wont be too far away. We're still looking at different things. We’ve got good competition for most places.”

One thing that Gillingham are showing is confidence and strength in defence. Pre-season has seen four from six matches end with clean sheets, with impressive displays in their last two outings.

Jones said: “It’s very important that we concentrate at the back, last year we were a bit indisciplined and a little bit sleepy at times, and we were conceding goals when we’ve been looking in control. We need to be bright, especially in defence.”

Gravesend boss Andy Ford was obviously annoyed at the sending-off and felt it cost his side the chance of taking anything from the match.

He said: “The decision spoiled the game really, had he not sent him off then he would have got suspended so it’s a catch twenty-two situation and the game went from their really.”