Gills boss lauds bench heroes

Steve Lomas was disappointed to have to settle for a point after his St

Johnstone side drew 1-1 at home to Ross County.

Dave Mackay fired the Saints in front in the 51st minute only for Liam Craig to snatch an equaliser 20 minutes from time.

Lomas said: "I think we should have won it but it's always the way when you don't get that killer second goal.

"The double disappointment is that we switched off at a relatively standard free-kick and they got a little bit of fortune with a deflection which beat Alan Mannus but I thought we should have put the game to bed a lot earlier.

"We had enough chances to win a couple of games and there was some good defending from Ross County as well.

"But I can't fault the performance and attitude towards the game, we just need to be a little more clinical when we do get chances.

"The performance was good and we went about it the right way. I thought if we got the second we might have scored three or four but if you don't take your chances, it comes back and haunts you."

Mills' team controlled much of the game to show why they have been beaten just once in nine league away games this season.

Alex Rodman, on loan from Aldershot, scored his first goal for the club before Jamie Reed bagged an equaliser two minutes from time to earn a dramatic point.

He said: "To go in 2-0 down at half-time was a travesty, but we've got character in abundance and I told the players they could still win it, never mind draw.

"We couldn't quite win, but I'm very proud of my lads because they kept going, didn't panic and continued to play good football to get back into the game.

"In the first-half we passed the ball well and controlled a lot of the play, but we needed more of a cutting edge in the final third. We found that in the second-half and scored two good goals."

Former Derby County frontman Deon Burton was Allen's third and final change and he showed why his manager turned to him with a superb turn and finish in stoppage time.

The game had appeared set for a draw after Morecambe's own sub Jack Redshaw cancelled out Lewis Montrose's first-half opener.

And Allen, whose side are now seven points clear at the top, said: "To have people like Deon Burton, Myles Weston and Charlie Allen on the bench - what a difference they all make when they come on.

"In modern football your subs have to be quality, they have to be powerful, and thankfully we've got them here. What a finish from Deon. I've seen him do that for years, and it was an amazing end to what was a very difficult game.

"We started extremely well, but Morecambe have being playing well recently, and are well organised with real men on their team. They're getting stronger and stronger with a good blend of young and old players. I give every one of them full respect."