When we scored so early I wondered if that would spur Stoke on to attack us more but this did not seem to be the case. The goal I thought was Smiths but the official reports say Mcevely scored.
When Stoke scored I wondered how Banks got injured. Our defensive frailties have cost us dear this season.
When Smith scored the winner I was expecting the ball to go miles wide but he hit it sweetly and I think the keeper was unsighted. What a winner it was. Reminded me of the Elsey Rocket feeling.
I was impressed with the two loanees who looked a class above most of our players. I wonder if we can loan them until the end of the season. I honestly think they made a difference.
I do not condone cynical fouls so I was not happy with Flynn's challenge on the Stoke player who was on the half way lane and was about to fly down their left wing. Initially I feared this was going to lead to a red card. I know it broke down one of Stoke's few good attacking moves but that's not football. That said Brammer was also cautioned for doing the same thing to Sidibe after the ball broke to him from a Stoke corner.
I think Stoke looked like an average side and I wonder if they can really score enough goals to keep in the play-off hunt.
I found the sight of Pulis shaking hands with fans a bit bizarre. Talking of managers I wonder what the future is for Stan. He has always been a northern based man and it must be hard living away from his family. Will he remain?
I also wondered if Nyron has announced his intentions yet.
Gills Man of the Match: Paul Smith
Smith played like a real leader and that volley was of a similar stature to the goal Hess scored against Stoke in the away leg of the play-offs semi.
Match Rating
9/10
Referee Watch
Referee Styles had an excellent game. The only blot being the failing to award a penalty after Sidibe was hauled down on 74 minutes. I also think he got all of the cautions right. A good solid performance.
8/10