The ten men of Gillingham took three glorious SKYBet League Two points against previously unbeaten Tranmere Rovers keeping boss Mark Bonner’s perfect Priestfield league start intact.
After a tight first half, Armani Little put the Gills ahead after Joe Gbode and George Lapslie combined to release Romeao Hutton. In turn the full-back found Little, whose shot left keeper Luke McGee rooted to the spot as it flew into the visitor’s net.
The Gills were reduced to ten men on the hour for successive home games, this time it was the returning Ethan Coleman who received a second yellow meaning the Gills were to play the last half hour with ten.
But as happens so often, it was the ten men who threatened more and so it proved as substitute Jayden Clarke netted twice in the last seven minutes – both from great through balls from Marcus Wyllie to seal three great points.
The home side had the better half chances of the first half, Max Clark and Elliott Nevitt twice going close for the Gills whilst the visitors grew as the half wore on with Omari Patrick firing into Glenn Morris’ midriff before just before the break, Shad Ogie denied Connor Jennings and Kieron Morris with great blocks in quick succession.
Little got on the end of Hutton’s fine ball to put Gillingham ahead just three minutes into the second half, which rallied the visitors and Patrick stung Morris’ palms with a fierce drive.
Coleman then earned referee Mr. Finnie’s wrath for a second time and his first league game at Priestfield since the end of March ended early and Tranmere went looking for an equaliser, which did not happen!
Saidou Khan’s shot saw Morris’ second fine save of the afternoon before returning skipper Max Ehmer did really well to clear a header off the line.
With the visitors pressing, the ten men took advantage and doubled their lead on 83 as Clarke connected brilliantly to Wyllie’s through ball after Wyllie himself had been well found by Jacob Wakeling. Clarke did not break stride as he brilliantly slotted past McGee to net Gillingham’s second.
Tranmere were beaten and when Clarke followed up his own late effort which had been well saved by McGee the points were safe and not even a late Harvey Saunders header which sailed into the Rainham End was going to spoil the ten men’s celebrations.
This win makes its nine points out of nine at MEMS Priestfield so far for Mark Bonner, with the Gills defending The Rainham End in each game!
Something to consider perhaps when the Gills next return home after next weekend’s date with early leaders Notts County at Meadow Lane.
Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Ehmer, Ogie, Max Clark, Coleman, Little, Nolan (Wakeling 66), Lapslie (Hawkins 82), Gbode (Jayden Clarke 66), Nevitt (Wyllie 71).
Subs not used – Ashby-Hammond, Giles, Euan Williams.
Goals: Little (48), Clarke (82), (89).
Booked: Lapslie (35), Coleman (37), Hutton (73).
Sent Off: Coleman (61).
Tranmere Rovers – McGee, Norman, Davies, Turnbull (Bradshaw 91), Wood, Patrick (Saunders 57), Hendry, O’Connor (Khan 57), Morris (Dennis 76), Jennings, Davison (Norris 57).
Subs not used – Murphy, Merrie.
Referee – Mr. Will Finnie
Attendance – 6660
Image courtesy of Gillingham FC