Manager John Coleman was pleased to see his big call pay off for Gillingham on Saturday.
Coleman replaced club captain Max Ehmer with fit-again Conor Masterson in the middle of his defence for the visit of high-flying Bradford City.
Masterson repaid the manager with a winning goal and played a big part in helping them to a clean sheet.
Ehmer had only missed one other game this season, through suspension, and came on to replace a fatigued Masterson with just a few minutes remaining.
“Max was unlucky to be the one who was left out,” said Coleman.
“I just wanted my back three to be more high pressing. I felt Conor would give us that.
“It’s no slight on Max, and you could even see when he came on how much he cared, how much he headed the ball, won tackles and organised the team with a cool head.
“It was a very difficult decision to make because since I’ve come in, Max has played really well. He’s defended solidly.
“He’s shown his experience. It’s just that I felt that it could be key if our three played a little higher and got a little bit in the faces of their two withdrawn strikers. I thought that would benefit us.
“It was unfortunate that it was just a change in tactic that’s cost him his place.”
Elliott Nevitt also dropped out of the starting line-up, replaced by Oli Hawkins. He also came on in the second half.
Coleman said: “Nev, similar. We wanted to go a certain way. You see Nev when he comes on. He lights the place up. He just runs and runs and challenges, tackles. He’s just a cracking lad.
“I thought and all the subs made an impact. Which was good.
“Little Johnny (Williams) was winning headers. He’s had a frustrating time. He never lets his head drop. He’s a bundle of energy in the training ground. He’s always smiling. He’s been frustrated he hasn’t been in the team.
“There were some really good little moves there. It was a great little cameo. Nev comes on and works his socks off. Nelson Khumbeni left his lung out there. He was struggling to breathe at the end.”
