Super sub-Alex MacDonald was the unlikely goalscoring hero as Gillingham gained just their second League win of the season – and their third League goal – in dramatic fashion on Sutton United’s first ever visit to Priestfield.

With the clock already having ticked well past the ninety-minute mark, Scott Kashket’s drive was beaten out by Sutton keeper Lewis Ward and as the ball looped into the air in front of the Rainham End, MacDonald reset his footing magnificently to loop a header over the stranded keeper and into the net to spark wild scenes of celebrations.

It was a deserved and much needed three points for the Gills and whilst the header was just the third scored going forward, this was Glenn Morris’ fifth clean sheet already this season, and the goals against column is only bettered by six clubs in the division!

Although they left it late, this was a deserved three points for Neil Harris’ side and for a side that have struggled to score this season, they had three “goals” ruled out for various reasons before half time.

First to be denied was Kashket whose low drive found the bottom corner, but referee Rook had already blown his whistle. The official again failed to endear himself to the Priestfield crown when he ruled out Ryan Law as he deemed that Mikael Mandron’s missed overhead kick was dangerous play – yet again proving at the top level you can get away with literally anything following Harland’s recent “wonder goal” against Dortmund.

Back to Kent, and in the halves closing stages, Mandron was denied a first goal back at Priestfield as he was on hand to side foot home Kashket’s driven cross after he raced onto a quick free kick. However, the assistant deemed Kashket had gone too early!

The second half went on as the first with the visitors rarely threatening but whilst the Gills failed to find a way through at the other end, there was always a danger and it nearly came to pass as Omar Bugiel got his head on a cross into Morris’ box and the header floated agonisingly onto the roof of the Gills net with the keeper stretching.

Whether this near miss for the visitors rekindled the Gills is open to question but they piled forward and could have had three in the last five minutes alone. MacDonald’s corner caused a real problem for Ward who was fortunate to claw the ball to safety.

In the very next attack, Hakeeb Adelakun slid in at the back post only to be denied by the keeper and from the resulting corner Will Wright drove a chance straight into Ward’s midriff.

The goal the chances deserved finally arrived deep into stoppage time as MacDonald repositioned himself incredibly quickly to head home after the Sutton keeper had only parried Kashket’s fierce shot.

A massive boost before next weekend’s long trip to Crewe before the home League game many Gills fans have been waiting for – Steve Evans’ return with Stevenage…

But this weekend undoubtedly belongs to the goalscoring hero that is Alex
MacDonald!

GILLINGHAM – Morris, Alexander, Wright, Ehmer, Law, Adelakun, McKenzie, Williams, Green (MacDonald H/T), Kashket (Baggott 93), Mandron (Walker 81).

Subs not used – Turner, Mnoga, Gbode.

Goal: MacDonald (91).

SUTTON UNITED – Ward, Kizzi, John, Rowe, Milsom, Neufville, Beautyman (Barden 89), Eastmond, Randall-Hurren (Boldewijn 81), Bugiel (Thomas 89), Kouassi (Kendall 67).

Subs not used – House, Lovatt, Pierre.

Booked: John (58), Eastmond (74).

REFEREE – Mr Rock

Attendance: 4,153

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.