After finding themselves 2-0 down after 55 minutes, Gillingham defeated National League side Woking 3-2 in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

A Vadaine Oliver header followed a Dominic Samuel brace to ensure the Gills came back, and the result meant they will now host Exeter City in the second round.

Following full-time, Gillingham assistant manager Paul Raynor spoke to the press. Here are five of his key quotes.

On the Woking match

"For 60 minutes Woking gave us a lot of problems and we gave ourselves some problems. We had a real mountain to climb – we have got some real character and some young players. We spoke at half-time about tweaking a few things and credit to Woking but credit to our boys as well. We were a little bit too passive in the first half.

"Our passing was far too slow – we like to get the ball forward quicker and our passing was far too slow, allowing Woking to get into shape with something to hold onto. We made it quite easy for them."

Gillingham found themselves 2-0 down after 55 minutes against National League Woking at Priestfield. Raynor is right – the passing was slow from the Gills for most of the game and it was easy for the visitors to defend.

The management staff switched it up and Gillingham turned the game around, performing much better in the last half-hour and proving well worth their win.

On the attacking players

"We are delighted for Dominic, who has worked incredibly hard in the last few weeks. He has not had much luck – we are delighted he has got himself a couple of goals today and Vadaine does what Vadaine does. Big John was a handful, but we thought Vadaine would give them another problem."

"If we give enough ball to Jordan Graham, he is the best provider of chances in League One and he did the same again today."

Gillingham went on a run of five games without scoring, but now all three strikers have scored in the last two games, following John Akinde’s goal at Crewe and Dominic Samuel’s brace and Vadaine Oliver’s header here.

Jordan Graham has created the most chances in League One this season and he picked up two assists here. He is such a key player for the Gills.

On a break

"We just want to win football matches. We were delighted to win at Crewe. We had a tough few weeks where nothing would really go right but we were worthy winners today.

"We have won two games on the trot now! We would have gone into in with a little bit of confidence, but Lincoln are a good side, and it is proved when they have international players. We got told it is off so it is off, we deal with it, move on and we will be nice and fresh for the Charlton game here in a couple of weeks."

After facing Arsenal U21 on Tuesday, Gillingham will have a period of 10 days without a game due to the postponement of their game against Lincoln City next Saturday because of international callups.

After such a hectic schedule and with a hectic schedule coming, the break may do the Gills some good fitness wise – but they also may not want it if they win their third game in a row on Tuesday.

On the absence of fans

"We do rely on the fans. We would love Priestfield to be buzzing. It is a shame. We play a high-tempo, aggressive game and the fans are a big part of that.

"It was brilliant last year – the fans got behind us, kicked every ball, won every header – we do miss them, and it is disappointing we cannot get them in."

Gillingham famously have a great home support and an intimidating home stand when it is in full voice. They are definitely missing that this season, but it is ultimately the same for everyone.

Last year Gillingham hosted West Ham in the third round of the FA Cup and a packed Priestfield was a great spectacle. That won’t be the case this time around.

On Tuesday’s EFL Trophy game

"We will have a look. The loads are high from Saturday so we will make changes. We have 10/11 days after that so we will ere on the side of caution with high-workloads with the Saturday-Tuesday scenario but we will have a good look at it and see who is ready to play. It gives us a chance to look at players from opposition and good for us to pit our wits against good young players.

"We will top the game time up for some players because we have not got a massive squad and we need to make sure everyone is ready to go when required. But we will be strong."

The Gills host Arsenal U21 on Tuesday, knowing they could progress to the next stage of the EFL Trophy with a win of any form. The competition is definitely not a priority, but they will want to win the game.

Changes will be made, but it should still be a good spectacle.

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