Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has voiced his praise for his side as they found a way to beat Newport County at MEMS Priestfield on Saturday.

It took a Garath McCleary header on 98 minutes to see The Gills claim a vital three points after the Kent side had trailed twice to the League Two bottom side.

In a frustrating afternoon for all watching on, Gillingham looked rusty at best after a few weeks off and spurned chances that came their way.

On another day, it could well have been more points dropped in the quest to climb back up the league table, but Conor Masterson, Armani Little from the spot and McCleary scored the goals as the Gills edged this one 3-2.

Having seen his side squeak home in front of a nervy fanbase, Ainsworth couldn’t hide his delight at securing three very valuable points.

He said: “What a game, and what a win! The fans got their money’s worth today, certainly. I am so glad that we got on the end of a good result at home, because we have waited for a while.

“I think that the players turned up, but we also conceded too many chances against us. But wow, we turned up, and we won the game. We found a way to win in a crazy game, and I am so, so proud of the boys, and the fans, and everyone who has been involved in this.”

“It was a really crazy game emotionally. I think that keeping cool and changing a little bit formation-wise to try and get more offence on their back line while trying not to concede too many chances has worked.”

“Some of the big players turned up, definitely, and made a difference. There were some awesome moments in the game, and I am not going to pick anyone out, but I have subs coming on and blocking with all their life to get the result over the line.”

“It was a fantastic performance. Going forward, we created a lot of chances and could have been out of sight, but defensively, we want to tighten up a little bit, especially on set pieces. I didn’t think that we were good at them today, and that has been one of our strengths.”

“The three points are brilliant. I am really, really pleased, and hopefully, it is the start of a run.”

The win saw The Gills climb from 16th to 14th place in League Two, some seven points still outside the play-off places.

Away games at Harrogate on Saturday followed by Cheltenham Town on the Tuesday night could prove to be pivotal for a Gillingham side that need to build on this win should they realistically have the ambition to be in the play-offs come the end of the season.

With league leaders Bromley coming to MEMS Priestfield on the last day of the month, seven points from a possible nine has to be a must for Ainsworth’s side should they have any chance of extending their season beyond May 2nd.