Not even a debut goal from Josh Walker was enough to save Gillingham from defeat against Play Off rivals MK Dons. 

The loan signing from Burton pulled a goal back after the Gills had conceded twice in the final fifteen minutes of the game that they had dominated, but such was their misfortune even an effort from Macauley Bonne that looked to have salvaged a deserved, if unlikely (given the circumstances) point, that managed to hit the bar! 

Connor Mahoney had the chance to put the Gills in front in the opening minutes after excellent work from Ethan Coleman and the returning Dom Jefferies (one of two changes from the disappointing home draw with Forest Green) but shot over. 

Home keeper Filip Marschall produced a magnificent save to keep out an Oli Hawkins header just before the half hour as the big striker thundered in a header from a super Remeao Hutton cross and then moments later, the keeper was again extended – this time by Jefferies. 

The home side ended the half with their best chances, but Jake Turner did well to deny Max Dean and Alex Gilbey, although the Gills Head Coach would have been more concerned to see Hawkins hobble off with what looked like a groin problem just before the break. 

Turner was again called upon at the start of the second half to save well from Dan Kemp, as it took the Gills time to get going again, but when they did a series of chances came the visitor’s way. 

Bonne headed over, Coleman’s drive was palmed away, before with twenty minutes left just how Hutton’s brilliantly driven cross did not go in is a mystery! 

Turner did remarkably well to keep out a Jack Payne effort whilst on the ground before slightly against the run of play MJ Williams fired the home side in front. Gills pressed for an equaliser but were rocked further back when the Dons netted a second with two minutes left as Alex Gilbey was on hand to convert Stephen Wearne’s centre. 

Gills though weren’t beaten and a from a Hutton corner, the keeper saved well from Bonne and Walker was on hand to hammer the ball over the line as the clock clicked over into stoppage time.

The visitors piled forward desperate for a second and they so nearly got as Bonne’s shot from another super Hutton ball cannoned off the top of the crossbar. 

A better Gillingham showing than against Forest Green that did not get the rewards it deserved and left many pondering the question can you ask if a home victory was a smash and grab raid?  

Clemence, his players and staff and several of the 1,380 Gillingham fans at Stadium MK would have been asking the same question on their way back to Kent… 

Gillingham now have a full week to prepare for Walsall’s trip to Priestfield next Saturday knowing they need to get back to winning ways to stay in touch with the League Two play-off chasers.

MK Dons – Marschall, Williams, O’Hora, Lewington, Harvie, Payne, Bate (Robson 76), Tomlinson, Gilbey, Kemp (Wearne 76), Dean (Harrison 82). 

Subs not used – Kelly, Eisa, Smith, Lofthouse.

Goals: Williams (79), Gilbey (88).

Booked: Payne (69).

Gillingham – Turner, Hutton, Masterson (Dieng 84), Ehmer, Ogie, Malone, Coleman (Jonny Williams 84), Jefferies, Mahoney (Lapslie 63), Nadesan (Walker 63), Hawkins (Bonne 43).

Subs not used – Morris, Max Clark.

Goal: Walker (90).

Referee – Mr Carl Brook 

Attendance: 6723

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.