Living the American Dream is still not quite a reality for a shot shy Gillingham side that tasted defeat at home on Boxing Day.
The bottom of League Two clash with Colchester United had been eagerly anticipated after the takeover of the club by Brad Galinson and his family, but the game failed to live up to the expectations of Gills fans who came to Priestfield hoping for a better display.
In the end, it was yet another defeat, yet another game without a goal and yet another poor performance that will undoubtedly see a large number of this current squad shown the door in the January transfer window.
Gillingham had a 19th-minute penalty appeal rejected when Hakeeb Adelakun tumbled under Al-Amin Kazeem’s challenge in the area while Samson Tovide fired over from three yards at the other end a couple of minutes later.
Colchester grabbed their 26th-minute winner through Tchamadeu, who slotted in coolly at the far post after Tovide had raced towards goal and fired a low delivery across the area.
Tempers flared just before the break when Tovide and Gillingham defender Max Ehmer clashed, resulting in a melee involving players and coaching staff from both sides and the two aforementioned players being booked.
Colchester came close to doubling their lead just before the hour when Noah Chilvers advanced towards goal and fired in a fierce shot that goalkeeper Jake Turner pushed away.
Gillingham pressed for an equaliser and Elkan Baggott’s header flashed wide late on, but Colchester claimed a vital first away league win of the season.
The defeat leaves Gillingham very much rooted to the bottom of the Football League having scored only six league goals in 21 games.
Next up for Neil Harris’ side is a tough trip to Sutton United on Thursday evening.
Gillingham: Turner, McKenzie, Ehmer, Baggott, Tutonda (Green 79), O’Keefe (Kashket 59), Jefferies, Williams, Adelakun (Harriott 59), Reeves (MacDonald 54), Mandron.
Subs not used: Holtam, Alexander, Wright.
Booked: Ehmer (45+2), Tutonda (68), Kashket (100).
Colchester United: O’Hara, Tchamadeu, Chambers, Smith, Kazeem, Skuse, Dallison, Chilvers, Huws, Akinde (Sears 92), Tovide (Longstaff 82 (Hannant 98)).
Subs not used: Collins, Eastman, Chesters, Fevrier.
Goal: Tchamadeu (26).
Booked: Tovide (45+2).
Attendance: 4962 (420 Colchester)
Referee: Mr S Purkiss