A disastrous second half performance by The Gills saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat against bottom of the table Oldham Athletic despite leading early on.

At half-time there was only one team in it as the hosts led, the visitors offering nothing to suggest the comeback that resulted would materialise.

In an opening half dominated by the hosts The Gills were unlucky not to take an early lead inside the opening ten minutes when Australian International Chris Herd’s right wing cross was met powerfully by second-time debutant Frank Nouble however the striker couldn’t keep his header down as it flew over the crossbar

However The Gills’ wait was short-lived as within a couple of minutes Cody McDonald headed home a deep Bradley Dack corner. Visiting ‘keeper Connor Ripley flapped at the ball without really getting close to it leaving McDonald with the easiest of free headers – Despite a brave goal-line clearance the linesman adjudged the ball to have crossed the line.

McDonald was unlucky not to double his tally and The Gills’ lead glancing a header goal-bound but could only direct it straight into the welcome arms of Ripley whilst Dack’s shot from range was also comfortable for the Oldham number one.

In a rare foray into the final third the hosts put themselves under pressure with some unorthodox defending to bring about a succession of corner-kicks for the visitors – Leading from a Paul Green shot from range deflected wide the danger was eventually cleared after Peter Clark could only bundle the ball wide of goal.

The half-time interval really did not favours for the hosts as the visitors dominated proceedings after the break

The Latics should have equalised less than ten minutes into the half but Billy McKay could only divert the ball wide of the far post after a positive run and cross by Brian Wilson.

Not heeding the danger The Gills managed to clear the danger inside their own six-yard box, this time resulting from a move down the let-hand side.

But after a flurry of substitutions it was third time lucky for the visitors as Freddie Ladapo, having only been on pitch for four minutes, found himself through on goal and he lashed the ball past Stuart Nelson to equalise.

Looking to respond quickly The Gills had a huge shout for a penalty waved away after seeing a goal-bound shot charged down but the officials stood firm and unmoved against substantial focal pressure from the crowd and players alike.

Indicative of a half where the hosts had switched off Ladapo almost doubled his tally and give The Latics the lead but, under pressure, saw his low shot saved by the legs of Nelson.

Ladapo once more had the chance to give his side the lead but despite good work on the right side of the box by Ryan Flynn, with the goal at his mercy, failed to gamble on the cross and the opportunity went begging.

The Gills rode their luck one more as that man Ladapo and Green between them managed swing and miss at a loose ball inside the six-yard box, Nelson more than grateful to grab the ball.

But with the game closing out The Gills finally ran out of luck as Flynn found himself in front of goal eight yards out to poke the ball home and celebrate with the 127 travelling supporters – The Latics stole the points to win only their second game this season.

 

Gillingham: Nelson, Herd (Jackson, 69), Ehmer, Oshilaja, Wagstaff (Byrne, 81), Hessenthaler, McDonald, Konchesky, Dack (Osadebe, 66), Wright ©, Nouble.

Subs not used: Halder, Pask, Oldaker, List.

Goals: McDonald (10).

Booked: Wagstaff (19), Dack (38), Herd (62), Nouble (68), Nelson (90).

 

Oldham Athletic: Ripley, Reckford, Wilson, Burgess, Flynn, McKay (Ladapo, 61), Winchester (Croft, 60), Erwin (Banks, 90+2), Fane, Clarke ©, Green.

Subs not used: Kettings, Law, Klok, Osei.

Goals: Ladapo (65), Flynn (88).

Booked: Ladapo (65).

 

Referee: Mr Kevin Johnson

Attendance: 6,425 (127 Oldham)