Gillingham registered their 15th league game in a row unbeaten on Saturday afternoon with a 0-0 draw away at Lincoln City, but missed the chance to close the gap on the League One play-offs to two points.
In a physical game that was dominated by the conditions, play ebbed and flowed and, despite opportunities for the likes of Harry Anderson and Brandon Hanlan, the two sides had to settle for a point a piece, which seems like a fair result.
A late red card for Lincoln defender Tayo Edun and some rash challenges from Lincoln perhaps overshadowed things as the Gills pushed for the win, but a game, really, of two halves, suggests the Gills can be pleased with their point.
It was clear from the off that the wind was going to have an impact on the game, but Gillingham, and in particular Jack Bonham, made their own problems in the opening moments. The first error came when the Irishman booted a drop ball at the back of Tom Hopper and had to be saved by his defenders, and the ‘keeper put his team in more trouble with a weak short pass to Max Ehmer not long after. Ultimately, though, the issues were dealt with.
Lincoln continued to press and came forward with pace, utilising the wide areas and their full backs well. A number of diagonal balls found wide men early on, which got the home fans excited, though nothing came of the chances created.
The Gills saw out the half and went into the break second best. It was a different story in the second period, however, with the Blues shooting towards their own fans after sitting through 15 minutes with manager Steve Evans.
The visitors came back out for the second half with positive intent. A few early attacks were thwarted before some challenging corners tested Josh Vickers with the help of the wind, including one which Brandon Hanlan headed over.
Both teams failed to really challenge either goalkeeper after, but Lincoln almost won it late on when Harry Anderson met an inswinging cross with a pinpoint header. Bonham was equal to the effort, though, and produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.
It didn’t seem the game would end with 11 men apiece due to the nature of the tackles flying in, and it didn’t, as Tayo Edun was given his marching orders just before stoppage time following a tussle with Brandon Hanlan. Both players originally saw yellow, and referee Tom Nield needed a little reminder from Gills sub Jordan Graham that he had already booked the Lincoln defender.
The end of the game was overshadowed by some rough play, and Michael Bostwick was also lucky to stay on the pitch after a late challenge on Regan Charles-Cook. The Gills staff and fans alike weren’t happy with the referee or Lincoln’s play following the full- time whistle, but, ultimately, it was another game unbeaten and another point for Steve Evans’ men.
Lincoln: Vickers, Bridcutt, Bolger, Hopper, Bostwick, Scully, Grant, Coventry, Eardley, Hesketh (Anderson 57), Edun.
Subs not used: Andrew, Eyoma, Payne, Chapman, Lewis, Elbouzedi.
Gillingham: Bonham, O’Keefe (Graham 81), Ehmer, Ogilvie, Hanlan, Roberts (Akinde 64), Fuller, Jones, Lee (Charles-Cook 84), O’Connor, Tucker.
Subs not used: Walsh, Willock, Mandron, Pringle
Attendance: 8,950 (682 away).
Referee: Tom Nield.