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Gills 1-0 Oxford: Neale Cooper

Last updated : 16 September 2005 By Simon Head

Cooper: Wants improvement against Forest
Talking to the official website, Cooper said, "I am pleased with the result. A very difficult game. I know what it is like to play lower teams in the cup competitions. They were a big, strong physical side, much like Barnet and Cambridge that we played in pre-season.


"We didn't come out of the blocks firing like we have been. That was disappointing. They came at us, rather than us go at them. The ball retention wasn't good enough, we didn't hold it up well or get it up to them. The passing was poor at times too. On the whole, we created a lot of good chances. The main positive out of tonight is that although we didn't perform anywhere near where we can, we are still through to the next round of the cup."


"I thought that we had to up the tempo a bit. We were too slow at taking free kicks. In the second half, we were quite quick at it, and played some dangerous balls. I didn't rant and rave (at halftime), I just said that we were not good enough and are better than that. They all agreed and went about their jobs in the second half.


"I cannot say anything against the players though as they have been outstanding and they have done ever so well for Ronnie and Myself since I have arrived. We have not conceded yet again and have won again. Winning is a good habit to get into. We just have to try to keep going that way."


"I cannot fault Darren. His effort was different class. He had a nightmare at times but he just never gives up. He was brilliant and I have said that many times. Tonight, it just didn't happen whilst on the ball.


"We didn't get the ball to Jarvis at times. When he is on the ball, he is a real threat. He took his goal well. He was unlucky at the end when he had a sweet strike saved by the keeper.


"For me though, the top man tonight was Jason Brown in goal. He was absolutely fantastic and has been since he came into the team. I told him that in front of the players in the dressing room and, hopefully, he can continue with that form."


Talking about the Gills’ upcoming match with Nottingham Forest, who were knocked out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday night by Macclesfield Town, Cooper said, "I am sure Gary Megson will be fed up but it can be hard for us too, as we may get the backlash on Saturday. We have got to be big and strong in character and continue with what we have been doing in the league. We are at home and we have to take the game to them. We don't get bullied at our home ground, we don't get bullied anywhere. This is a massive game, and one that the players have to lift themselves for.


"We fought to the end and got the result tonight. It may have given us a kick up the backside tonight, and we'll be ready to go against Forest on Saturday."