Gillingham struck late on at the Stadium of Light to earn a 2-2 draw against Sunderland on Saturday.
Sunderland were the better side in a dull first half where neither team tested the keeper enough, although Gills keeper Jack Bonham had to make a few important blocks.
Gillingham were fairly resolute at the back for the first 45, although they rarely threatened going forward.
In the second half Sunderland came out of the blocks quickly once again, however, this time Gillingham also started well.
On 64 minutes, Northern Ireland international, Lafferty, struck on his first start for the Black Cats, heading in Denver Hume’s cross.
Gillingham began to test the keeper more with Hanlan going close – he had an effort saved by Sunderland keeper Jon McLaughlin.
On 73 Minutes Gillingham were level. Mandron bagging his first of the afternoon. He finished from 6 yards out after a scramble from a Gills corner.
Sunderland continued to press forward, with Bonham having to make a few saves.
On 83 minutes, the pressure finally paid off. George Dobson capitalised on a Tom O’Connor mistake in midfield and slipped in Kyle Lafferty who broke the offside trap and poked the ball through Bonham’s legs.
That goal didn’t drop the heads of the Gills players and on 96 minutes a long throw from Ogilvie found its way to Olly Lee who laid off Mandron who finished from 20 yards to send Gillingham home with a well deserved point.
Sunderland line up: J.McLaughlin, Flanagan, Willis, Ozturk (Semenyo 81), Hume (Lynch 89), Power, Dobson, O’Nien, Maguire (Scowen 85), Gooch, Lafferty.
Subs not used: Burge, C.McLaughlin, Watmore, Grigg.
Goals: Lafferty (64, 83).
Booked: Ozturk (42).
Gillingham line up: Bonham, Fuller, Ehmer, Ogilvie, Tucker, Jones, O’Keefe (Akinde 72), Roberts (O’Connor 61), Graham (Lee 58), Hanlan, Mandron.
Subs not used: Walsh, Pringle, Charles-Cook, Willock.
Goals: Mandron (74, 96).
Booked: Graham (42), Roberts (43), O’Keefe (44).
Referee: Mr Antony Coggins
Attendance: 28,822 (473 Gillingham).
Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.