Gillingham edged ever closer to League Two survival with a battling point at Stockport County on Tuesday night.
Neil Harris fielded a side that saw the bus well and truly parked with the intention of getting a point and boy did it work.
There is no harm in stating that a point was always the objective and Gillingham well and truly did a job on a Stockport side that’s pushing for promotion.
The Gills offered little threat as an attacking force on a frustrating night for the hosts, who hit the woodwork twice.
Stockport went close when Will Collar rose to meet Ryan Rydel’s cross, only to see his looping header drift off target.
Antoni Sarcevic then teed up Jacob Davenport 20 yards out, but Gillingham goalkeeper Glenn Morris saved.
The hosts were well on top heading towards half-time, and Kyle Wootton was unlucky when his scissor-kick attempt was blocked.
In the 43rd minute, Isaac Olaofe took a touch from Rydel before seeing a crisp shot clip the top of the crossbar.
Just before the hour mark Stockport were again unlucky when Kyle Knoyle’s header from Chris Hussey’s cross hit the outside of a post.
Collar was next to threaten when his thumping 25-yard drive only just cleared the crossbar.
Stockport substitute Jack Stretton saw a volley brilliantly saved by Morris late on.
Despite the point, Gillingham dropped to 21st in League Two with Harrogate having won 2-0 at Doncaster Rovers.
However, they are now nine points clear of the relegation zone following Crawley Town’s 3-0 loss at Sutton United.
Neil Harris now has the rest of the week to prepare his side for Tranmere Rovers’ visit to Priestfield on Saturday with a trip to Walsall to come the following weekend.
Both games will provide tough challenges for an ever improving Gillingham side that like their opponents, will likely finish in the mid table positions come the end of the season.
Stockport County: Hinchliffe, Byrne, Horsfall, Hussey, Knoyle, Collar, Sarcevic (Stretton 77), Davenport (Croasdale H/T), Rydel (Hippolyte H/T), Wooton, Olaofe (Madden H/T).
Unused Substitutes: Jaros, Wright, Camps.
Gillingham: Morris, Alexander, Wright, Ehmer, Masterson, Tutonda, Dieng (Williams 75), Coleman, Jefferies (Lapslie 75), Nichols (Hawkins 74), Abrahams (MacDonald 76).
Unused Substitutes: Turner, O’Brien.
Booked: Jefferies (75), Tutonda (77).
Referee: Ben Toner
Attendance: 8168
Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.