Say it very quietly, especially in the ear shot of Neil Harris, but Gillingham are the early pace setters in League Two after the matchday three fixtures leave the Gills sitting top of the fledgling table. 

The manager has always insisted that we should take nothing from any League table that doesn’t show at least ten games, but he will surely forgive supporters who will be almost celebrating this morning as following Ashley Nadesan’s third goal in a week clinched three midweek points at Sutton United for the Gills’ third win out of three in League Two, and a third successive clean sheet for Jake Turner and his defence, Gillingham are the only side in the Division now not to drop a point or concede a goal. 

Nadesan again was the recipient of some great work from Tom Nichols as Nichols robbed a defender in the tenth minute and Nadesen showed why Neil Harris was so keen to reunite the two former Crawley men by coolly slotting the ball past Jack Rose and into the Sutton net to send the Gills contingent – which was in excess of 1,200 – in the crowd of 3,700 wild. 

Whilst the Gills have won three out of three in the League, the base undoubtedly has been built around Turner and his defence who are yet to be breached in the League this season.

However, the keeper was indebted to Scott Malone for a brilliant clearance as the ball was clipped over the keeper, but Malone was on hand to clear. 

The home side bossed the opening half as they tried to breach the Gills back line, but this left gaps to exploit and from one such occasion, George Lapslie was inches away from doubling the lead with an angled drive after Dom Jefferies’ initial effort had been blocked. 

Shortly before the break, Turner was at his bravest best to deny former Gill Scott Kashket at his feet and as the game wore on after half time, Kashket looked like the only true threat the home side had in the final third.

He did have the ball in the net just before the hour mark, but it was ruled out for offside, and then with twenty minutes left, Turner made an excellent save to keep out a shot after Rob Milsom had crossed. Kashket made room for himself but was well denied by the Gills keeper. 

Kashket was taken off shortly after and almost with him went the home side’s chances as despite having lots of possession and throwing a lot forward, the home side could not breach the Gills back line and Turner and his defence celebrated another clean sheet at the final whistle. 

Yes, that long term goal of getting back into League One is still a chasm away but after all the heartbreak that the Gills faithful have endured since COVID, please allow us some time to reflect and see the name Gillingham at the top of the League Two tree… even though we are still in August! 

SUTTON UNITED – Rose, Kizzi, Sowunmi, Goodliffe, Milsom, Clay (N’Guessan 86), Beautyman (Coley 65), Eastmond, Patrick, Angol (John 86), Kashket (Kasimu 74). 

Subs not used – House, Fadahunsi, Mellor.

Booked: Angol (5), Milsom (25).

GILLINGHAM – Turner, Alexander, Ehmer, Ogie, Malone, Dieng, Coleman, Lapslie (Jayden Clarke 80), Jefferies (Masterson 86), Nadesan (Bonne 81), Nichols (Jonny Williams 81).

Subs not used – Morris, Max Clark, McKenzie.

Goal: Nadesan (10).

Booked: Coleman (76).

Referee – Mr Scott Tallis 

Attendance: 3714

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.