Gillingham hung on at the end of the game to beat MK Dons in League 2 on Saturday

Interim boss Keith Millen explained why there was a need for Gillingham to go on the defensive late in the game at the weekend.

The Gills were leading MK Dons 2-0 at one stage, and Conor Mahoney missed a great chance to make it three, before the visitors staged a fightback.

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Millen replaced attackers for defenders late in the game as Gillingham were eventually left hanging on for three points, winning 2-1.

One MK substitute Ellis Harrison headed in a cross from another, Jonathan Leko, with eight eight minutes left of normal time after both central defender Max Ehmer and left-back Max Clark had already replaced Gillingham forwards Tom Nichols and Jayden Clarke.

At 2-1, defensive player Robbie McKenzie was then introduced for winger Mahoney.

Only some super late saves from Jake Turner and a few last-gasp challenges ensured MK were kept at bay.

Millen, who remains in charge for the midweek EFL Trophy match at Portsmouth, said: “I wanted us to try see the game out and had we scored a third I think the game would gave been over, but in every game, every team who are losing with 10 minutes to go are going to push men forward.

“I don’t like having to drop back and put men behind the ball but you can’t ignore what the opposition are doing, it is the way it is.

“Of course, I wanted to keep two forwards upfront, but when the opposition are putting five upfront you can’t ignore that because you are going to get punished.

“I think the last 10 minutes is just normal when a team is chasing, but apart from that their desire to defend is what they have shown all season. I have been in and around most games, that side they are really good, a strong group.”

MK Dons ended the match with 27