Gillingham thrash Chesterfield 4-1 at Priestfield in League 2: Manager Gareth Ainsworth’s reaction

Manager Gareth Ainsworth said he felt total pride after watching Gillingham sweep aside early League 2 pace-setters Chesterfield at Priestfield.

Chesterfield had won their opening three games of the season but were left stunned as Ainsworth’s men won the game 4-1.

Report: Gillingham 4 Chesterfield 1

“Total, total pride and a real enjoyment of what I'm seeing and how I'm seeing this squad develop. It’s fabulous,” said Ainsworth, as he reacted to the win.

“I thought, ‘Have they got this?’ They're showing me they have.

“The depth that some of those boys went to, to get that result, was phenomenal.

“There were some unsung heroes, there were some sung heroes. It was a really, really nice performance against a really strong Chesterfield side who are going to be there at the end of the season, without a shadow of a doubt.

“They're a quality side, so that makes it an even better win.

“I think we were solid. It wasn't lucky, it wasn't anything but a quality home performance and I was really, really proud of that. “

The Gills had gone 2-0 up with Armani Little scoring both goals from the penalty spot.

Josh Andrews was adjudged to have been fouled by keeper Zach Hemming for the first penalty.

“The first penalty probably wasn't a penalty,” admitted the Gills boss.

“I think it's harsh on Chesterfield, but it was harsh on us on Saturday when that goal went in at Tranmere (from an offside position), so they sort of even themselves out.

“The other three goals were definitely legit and well taken.”

Chesterfield got a goal back through Armando Dobra after Little’s double which could have been a turning point.

With only 53 minutes played, Chesterfield had plenty of time to stage a fightback, but Ainsworth’s men quickly replied with a