Glenn Morris was back in the Gillingham side on Saturday and saluted the efforts of a fellow veteran in their team.
At 42, Morris was the oldest player to feature in League 2 at the weekend, and match-winner Garath McCleary looked a sprightly 38-year-old as he came off the bench to make an impact.
The Gills were 2-1 down when McCleary was tripped in the box, earning them a penalty which Armani Little converted to level it up, before he then headed in a winner after beating two defenders to Max Clark’s cross with 99 minutes played.
It was a frantic finish in a game lengthened by an injury to a linesman, with Morris pulling off a great save to keep the lead intact from James Crole’s volley.
“It was very hectic, especially with the 15 minutes added on,” said the Gills keeper.
“We’ve come from behind and shown a bit of character. We’ve had some impact from the bench and got a penalty.
“We did really well to get three points in the end and it’s a big three points.
“We’ve been looking for that for a while and it’s nice to have it.
“(Garath) is a machine. He out-jumped some centre-backs to get that header in at the end and he’s got real pace.
“When you get the ball, you look at him, he’s always there to break and you’re trying to hit him to put him in. He’s got real strength and athleticism.
“He made a real impact coming off the bench and that’s what we want. I’m really pleased for him. He’s 38 years old and still performing like that.”
On his own efforts, Morris – who turned 42 a month ago – was as modest as ever.
“It’s what you’re there to do,” he said.
“It’s nice to be able to contribute and get us over the line. You can see what it meant to everyone, the players, the fans, the gaffer.
“It’s just what we needed and hopefully we can push on a little bit now.
“(It was) probably (a feeling of) relief to actually have got the win and to get over the line. I think it’s a belief as well in the dressing room that what we can do is there.”
Morris started the season as the no.1 choice in goal but injury gave Jake Turner a chance to stake his claim.
Just before Christmas, Morris returned to the bench, but after a two-week break without a game, manager Gareth Ainsworth opted to put his early-season pick back between the sticks.
“It was a difficult time (being injured), said the keeper.
“The break probably came at a good time to just make sure you get yourself fully ready.
“Jake’s been brilliant. We work well together. It’s a really tight group. It was nice to get the nod and get back in. I really enjoyed it out there
It was nice to get out there on the pitch.”
Ainsworth admitted it was a tough decision to switch the keepers but said: “There wasn’t a lot of evidence to say Jake should come out of the team but I just thought with Glenn’s whole aura of the team, and the fans, and everything, with the experience that he’s got, that he would make an impact.
“Jake will be right behind him. It was difficult to leave Jake out because he’s a top guy and he made some top saves while he was in the team.
“They’re both fighting for the number one shirt. They both know that. They’ve both got to stay on their best form.”
