Revitalised Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth enjoys full-blooded League 2 match with Colchester United back on the touchline

Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth felt he got his mojo back at the weekend.

He returned to the touchline for the 3-3 draw against Shrewsbury at the end of last month.

Saturday’s goalless draw at Colchester in League 2 was Ainsworth’s second match back on the touchline and his sixth game in total after he initially watched matches from the stands on his return.

Ainsworth underwent planned open heart surgery in early October, and missed six matches as he spent time away from the club recovering.

But a physical match-up with Colchester got the touchline juices flowing again for the former Wycombe, QPR and Shrewsbury manager.

“I'm really pleased because I've got my mojo back a little bit as well,” revealed Ainsworth

“You're sort of jumping around. I won a few headers on the sideline and I feel I've lost my voice, which hasn't happened for a few weeks.

“But I felt more into the game, more in with it and the boys, you know.”

There was a heated exchange between Gills boss Ainsworth and his Colchester counterpart Danny Cowley during the first half.

Ainsworth refused to be drawn on the flashpoint which saw both managers spoken to by referee Oliver Mackey before play resumed.

“There's a pantomime that goes on half the time, but I don't like commenting on other managers,” stated Ainsworth.

“We just get on with what we do as a team, and I'm very proud of my team.”

On the game, the Gills boss added: “Full-blooded game, love it.

“There's more important things than football in the world, but it's nice to be involved in a passionate affair like that.”