Gillingham’s draw against Reading gave manager Gareth Ainsworth a good feeling about what the team could achieve in the future.
Ainsworth felt the Gills had the better of the chances at Priestfield against a club who finished last season just three points off the League 1 play-off places.
Report: Gillingham 0 Reading 0
“I was really pleased,” said Ainsworth, as he reacted to the goalless draw.
“We got what we wanted again. We got some real good fitness work out of that one. No injuries, which is good.
“I think we pressed the Reading team really well, especially first half where we probably had a bit more experience in the team.
“We got the ball down well, had the best chances of the game, If I’m being totally honest.
“Bradley was really disappointed he didn’t hit the net with his left foot, and you want it to fall to someone like Bradley.
“Seb (Palmer-Houlden) looked good, trying to get through (with a chance) and then Sam Gale second half getting through.
“I thought we limited Reading to little chances. They had the one cross and the scare in the second half. But overall, I’m really pleased with what the boys have taken on so far.
“We haven’t worked a great deal on everything. We haven’t focused on one thing. We did a lot of attacking play.
“We’ve done a lot of defending work and then I put a press into place, and the lads have grabbed it really well. Some of them have never done that before.
“The second half team were a bit younger. Some of our youngsters coming through and well done to the youngsters. Plenty to learn and well done. (They) held their own against the Reading first team and the older players, well done to them, because they secured the ship.
“The likes of Ethan (Coleman) and Andy Smith and Sam Gale – they’re more experienced ones. Jack Nolan and people like Max Clark. They really showed me that we’ve got a good squad here. We’ve got a good chance.
I still want to add one or two, definitely. And the squad will shape as we get to the start of the season.
“We’ve taken on a team who finished seventh in League 1 last season.
“I know it’s pre-season. Results don’t mean anything in pre-season. But, you get a feeling as a manager, and I believe if we can do what we did today against some teams in League 2, we’ll win those games.
“Obviously, everyone wants us to play a little bit more.
“Me and Dobbo will be looking at the video going, ‘right, when they do put a high press on, how do we play out? How do we get more of the ball? We did do it first half, I thought.
“Second half, we didn’t get as much of the ball as I wanted, and it became a bit of a long ball sort of battle. But with someone like Josh Andrews, again, what a weapon he could be.
“I’m really, really pleased where we are but it’s pre-season and it’s only our second game.
“It’s a nil-nil. I’m sorry for the fans. I’m sure they came to see goals. They saw chances but we didn’t stick it in the net. We certainly will start doing that. I promise that. We’ve got some good players out there.”
