In arguably the biggest test for Mark Bonner’s Gillingham thus far, a first half gave Bonner’s men a 1-0 win on the banks of the River Trent as the visitors took Notts County’s unbeaten League record.
As Elliott Nevitt raced onto Romeao Hutton’s superb through ball, the striker showed great composure as he rounded keeper Alex Bass and walked the ball into the net for what proved to be the game’s only goal.
Although the home side laid siege after the break, the Gills back line with keeper Glenn Morris in fine form and defensive partners skipper Max Ehmer and Shad Ogie outstanding, there just was not any way through Gillingham’s bright yellow wall!
After Joe Gbode had fired straight at the chest of the County keeper early on, Nick Tsaroulla twice had efforts that did not really bother Morris as he found the side netting with one and fired over with the second as the game started at a decent tempo.
Morris did though perform heroics to keep out Jodi Jones’ skimming pile drive tipping it onto the post, but Tsaroulla should honestly have done better with the rebound as with Morris grounded the Notts man hit the same post as the original shot!
Gillingham’s first real chance fell to an unlikely source as Ogie rampaging run forward, saw the central defender let fly and Bass pulled a save out of the top drawer to tip the ball round a post.
George Abbot missed a guilt edged chance for the home side before the game’s only goal arrived seven minutes from the break – Hutton’s defence splitting ball saw Nevitt race clear, round Bass, and walk the ball into the empty net to send the near thousand travelling fans wild with delight.
The second half belonged to the home side with wave after Black and White wave repelled by Ehmer, Ogie and Co superbly well. And whilst the home side pressed, gaps appeared at the other end and Armani Little maybe should have done better with an effort that flew over the bar.
David McGoldrick missed a wonderful opportunity for the home side before referee Swabey waved away Gillingham shouts for a penalty when Jack Nolans ball towards George Lapslie seem to have been “diverted” by an arm of a Notts defender.
Morris made his second magnificent save to deny Jones at the near post and when Sam Austin finally breached the Gillingham back line, the “goal” was disallowed all be it after lengthy discussions between referee and assistant.
Jacob Bedeau had the game’s final chance but sensational blocking from the skipper and Oli Hawkins denied the home side as Jonny Williams headed the ball to safety.
Bonner had promised the travelling support – that numbered 994 – that his side would try to give them a game to remember just as the 3-2 Friday night win at Meadow Lane had done – somehow, we think that the managers words proved prophetic!
The Gills return home next weekend for another first v second clash as despite the win in Nottingham, Mark Bonner’s side remain second as Barrow leapfrogged Gillingham to the summit with Gills remaining second. And there is of course added spice to that game in the fact that Barrow are now led by the man who guided the Gills to the win at Meadow Lane last season – its Steven Clemence’s return to Priestfield…
NOTTS COUNTY – Bass, Macari, Platt, Bedeau, Jones (Cundy), Palmer (Austin), Crowley, Tsaroulla (Brown), Grant (Gordon), Abbott, McGoldrick
Subs – Slocombe, Hinchy, Chicksen
GILLINGHAM – Morris, Hutton, Ehmer, Ogie, Max Clark, McKenzie (Hawkins), Little, Jayden Clarke (Wakeling), Lapslie (Jonny Williams), Gbode (Nolan), Nevitt (Wyllie)
Subs – Ashby-Hammond, Euan Williams
REFEREE – Mr. Swabey
Image courtesy of Gillingham FC