RICARDO Santos believes Wanderers’ late fightback against Gillingham could be a turning point for their season.

The Whites scored twice in the final five minutes to end a run of three successive defeats in League One.

Santos insists the squad still had belief they could get something from the game despite going 2-0 down and wants to build on the result in the coming weeks and months.

“I think (in the) first 10 minutes we started well,” said the defender. “We conceded two sloppy goals and the gaffer said that this ball will be a second ball game.

“First half, we didn’t really win as many second balls as they did and conceded those two goals. But we came in at half time and knew we were still in the game and you can see the togetherness of the boys and (it was) unlucky we didn’t get a third at the end and win the game.

“It’s been a crazy week but I think today could be a turning point for our season. We’ve just got to build on this and keep the squad together and push on.

“A couple of weeks ago we wouldn’t have come back from that game. But with the fans behind us, in the second half you could tell everyone was just fired up.

“And even when we were celebrating, we were trying to restart and get a third goal. There’s a lot of togetherness and it’s a good squad. Every day we try to give our best and hopefully we can get more results.”

Saantos was named captain just one day before the game following Antoni Sarcevic’s shock move to Stockport County.

The defender admits he wasn’t expecting to be given the armband but says he is “very proud” to lead out Wanderers.

“I was surprised (to be named captain) but at the same time the gaffer has always told me he wants me to take that leadership role,” he added.

“I’m honoured and grateful to take that role because we’ve got a great squad and lots of experienced players like (Eoin) Doyle and Baps (Alex Baptiste).

“I’m grateful and very proud, and I’m going to embrace it and hopefully lead the team to lots of victories.”

Santos also revealed that Sarcevic’s departure came as a big shock to the Wanderers squad, but the defender had nothing but positive things to say about his former team-mate.

“We were (surprised). Sometimes you don’t really know what’s going on behind the scenes with players so it caught us by surprise,” he said.

“But I’d like to wish Sarc all the best, he was a good friend of mine.”