Gillingham slipped out of the League Two Play Off places as Newport County were spot on again at Priestfield. 

After winning on their last visit to Kent at the end of last season, County again left with the points after two first-half penalties from Omar Bogle condemned Keith Millen’s side to defeat in what may prove to be the interim managers last League game in the hot seat. 

Following on from Tuesday’s win at Swindon, Millen named an unchanged side with Tim Dieng returning to the squad on the bench having not played since the defeat at Grimsby Town.

And it started well for the Gills with Dom Jefferies and Macauley Bonne both being denied early on by County keeper Nick Townsend, Jefferies with a low drive and Bonne from a first time shot. 

It was then Jake Turner’s turn to excel as he first did well to save Bryn Morris’ shot and then recovered very smartly and bravely to block Bogle’s follow-up. 

The day started to go wrong though shortly afterwards for the Gills as after a poor back pass, Turner fouled Bogle and after the striker dusted himself down, he drilled the spot kick beyond Turner’s dive into the bottom corner. 

Five minutes later and Bogle was again facing Turner from twelve yards as Newport were awarded a send spot kick as Matty Bondwell was fouled, this time Turner guessed wrong, and Bogle had a penalty double and a two-goal lead! 

Millen would have been pleased that the actions of a sole member of the crowd did not distract too much from the Gills as the rallied and with a bit of luck could even have been level by the break.

Connor Mahoney was inches away from reducing the arrears with a pile driver that beat Townsend but smacked against the crossbar. In stoppage time Jonny Williams did well to get on the end of a cross and loop a header over the head of a statuesque Townsend, but sadly for the Gills the ball dropped the wrong side of the far post. 

Will Evans almost made it three nil early in the second period with a volley that only just missed before twenty minutes into the half, the Gills had loud cried for a penalty waved away after Jonny Williams appeared to have been taken out by a defender, referee Reeves though was not interested! 

Mahoney had the Gills best chance in the remaining time but shot over and it was to end another disappointing afternoon on and off the pitch at Priestfield.

Thoughts now turn to the Emirate FA Cup next week and a trip to Hereford with supporters left wondering on how the authorities will react to another mindless act by an individual that could have repercussions to all of them as well as who will be in charge of their team the next time, they walk through the Priestfield turnstiles again. 

GILLINGHAM – Turner, Alexander (Shaun Williams), Masterson, Ogie, Malone, Coleman, Jefferies, J. Williams (Lapslie), Clarke (Nichols), Mahoney, Bonne Ne

Subs – Morris, Ehmer, Clark, Dieng 

NEWPORT COUNTY – Townsend, Drysdale (Payne, Delaney, Baker, McLoughlin, Bondswell, Morris, Bennett, Wildig (Waite), Bogle, Evans (Rai) 

Subs – Maxted, Thomas, Wood 

REFEREE – Mr Reeves 

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC