Lovell: Game plan was key to Gillingham's defeat of PortsmouthÂ
Kenny Jackett's men suffered a 2-0 loss at Priestfield on Boxing Day, meaning the Gills completed a double over the Blues this season.
Despite the visitors having 20 shots on goal, they were wasteful in the final third.
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Hide AdGillingham's deep defended frustrated the Blues and Josh Parker's header and Callum Reilly's penalty late in each half sent Jackett's men back to Fratton Park empty-handed.Â
Lovell knew troops would have to be resolute to deliver a victory over the League One table-toppers.
And he was delighted with how the Gills applied themselves.
Lovell told his club's website: '˜Everybody did their jobs defensively. That was the main thing, not to concede an early goal and we weathered a bit of an onslaught in the first 20 minutes or so.
'˜I'm pleased with the way the boys stuck to the game plan and worked really hard '“ it's an excellent three points.
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Hide Ad'˜To win at home with a clean sheet is so important with the games that we've got coming up now.
'˜It will give everyone a boost in the dressing room and hopefully the fans too.
'˜It's a great win, a really hard-working performance and I'm really proud of the boys '“Â I thought they did brilliant.'