The doom and gloom that have been hovering over MEMS Priestfield and boss Mark Bonner in recent weeks was partially blown away by Storm Darragh as Jayden Clarke’s sixth goal of the season saw Gillingham secure three much needed points with a 1-0 win over Salford City in front of the home faithful.
After Wednesday’s defeat at Bromley, criticism was freely directed at all within the walls of Priestfield from manager to players alike, there was a must win feeling about the day, and the joy that greeted Clarke’s sixth goal of the season as he hammered home a super pass from Max Clark who was back in the eleven after the birth of his first child.
The manager threatened changes after the midweek disappointments at Hayes Lane and he was true to his word as he made five changes with the headlines being a full League debut for Harry Webster at full back, with Aaron Rowe and Bradley Dack named on the bench.
Salford had a great chance early on as Cole Stockton raced through, but found Glenn Morris – in for Jake Turner who broke his nose at Bromley which necessitated his withdrawal at the break – a colossus as the keeper made a terrific block to keep the scoreline blank.
Ten minutes from the break, young Joe Gbode was on the receiving end of a very high challenge which led to the youngster leaving the pitch on a stretcher being replaced by Jack Nolan.
There were loud appeals for a home spot kick when Clarke seemed to be taken out as a defender went to ground but referee Nield wasn’t interested.
In stoppage time, Josh Andrews and Nolan both went close as the Gills gained some momentum and it was momentum that followed into the second period and on 48 minutes, the “Clark’s” struck… Max did brilliantly to regain possession on the edge of the box, and as his pull back found Jayden, the ball was rifled into the bottom corner.
Did the Rainham End care that it may have taken a slight deflection en route? Not one jot…
The ball was in the net again within two minutes as keeper Matt Young made a fabulous save to deny Nolan but before Jayden Clarke rifled the ball home, the assistant’s flag waved!
The Gills dug in with the best chance Salford created coming ten minutes from time. Kylian Kouassi raced clear but was denied by a combined block of Morris and a sliding Conor Masterson before the Gills keeper pounced on the loose ball.
A memorable afternoon for Morris came when Conor McAlney curled an effort that seemed to be heading for the top corner. But Morris had other ideas with a stunning save flying away to palm the ball aside and his defence kept the clean sheet hammering the ball away.
Young Webster was given a huge ovation as he was withdrawn in stoppage time along with Elliot Nevitt who was replaced by the returning Bradley Dack.
GILLINGHAM – Morris, Webster (Ogie 92), Ehmer, Masterson, Max Clark, Coleman, McKenzie, Gbode (Nolan 35), Jayden Clarke (Jonny Williams 77), Andrews (Hutton 65), Nevitt (Dack 92).
Subs not used: Ashby-Hammond, Rowe.
Goal: Clarke (48).
Booked: Clarke (73), McKenzie (91).
SALFORD CITY – Young, Edwards, Ashley, Fornah, Lund, Stockton, Nmai, Woodburn (Kouassi 54), Tilt, Mnoga (McAleny 74), Garbutt.
Subs not used: Jones, Berkoe, Negru, Taylor, Luamba.
Booked: Lund (25), Tilt (73).
Referee: Mr Tom Nield.
Attendance: 5296