George Lapslie’s goal just before the hour looked as though it had all but guaranteed League football at Priestfield next season.
They held their lead until late on only for promotion chasing Stockport County to show why Neil Harris considers them the best League Two has to offer by grabbing an injury time equaliser to keep their own automatic promotion hopes alive.
Once again Priestfield brought the best out of Harris’ side as they more than matched high flying County and on another day, Tim Dieng’s late header would have counted rather than being ruled out, but it’s another point closer to the magical mark of safety.
Despite missing the unwell Oli Hawkins, the home side were unlucky not to take the lead early on when Alex MacDonald’s early shot was kept out by the feet of County keeper Ben Hinchcliffe.
The visiting keeper then pulled out a stunning save on the half hour to deny Tom Nichols. Robbie McKenzie did well to find the Gills striker, who made room for himself superbly and was only denied consecutive home goals by the fingertips of Hinchcliffe.
As expected from a promotion chasing side, Stockport rallied after the break and Glenn Morris had to be at his brilliant best to keep out an effort from Miles Hippolyte – superbly tipping the ball over the bar.
Cheye Alexander was then denied by Hinchcliffe before the full back turned provider as his cross wasn’t dealt with and Lapslie gleefully hammered the ball home to give the Gills a deserved lead.
Fraser Horsfall went close for Stockport as time began to run out and sadly for Harris and the Priestfield faithful, the warning wasn’t heeded and Will Collar’s header beat Morris and a stretching Max Ehmer to draw the scores level on eighty nine minutes.
The home side though still had time for Tim Dieng to loop a header home only to be denied by referee Woods’ whistle, and then the official angered the home fans again by ruling what appeared to be a clear foul on Tristran Abrahams waving play on as the crowd howled their protests.
Rochdale now cannot catch the Gills and if Neil Harris’ side can better Hartlepool’s result at Salford on Tuesday night, safety will be guaranteed – only problem is that the Gills welcome Champions elect Leyton Orient in midweek… could be quite a night at Priestfield!
GILLINGHAM – Morris, Alexander, Ehmer, Masterson, McKenzie, Williams, Dieng, Jefferies (Coleman 81), MacDonald (Wright 81), Lapslie, Nichols (Abrahams 86).
Subs not used – Turner, Page, Clarke.
Goal: Lapslie (54).
Booked: Masterson (17), Ehmer (23), Alexander (84), Dieng (87).
STOCKPORT COUNTY – Hinchcliffe, Knoyle, Wright (Camps 64), Horsfall, Byrne (Hussey H/T), Rydel (Johnson 75), Collar, Croasdale (Olaofe 75), Hippolyte, Stretton (Madden H/T), Wootton.
Subs not used – Jaros, Evans.
Goal: Collar (89).
Booked: Knoyle (90).
REFEREE – Mr Martin Woods
Attendance: 5,810.