Wrexham’s Hollywood heroes proved too much for Gillingham as Stephen Clemence’s first League game ended in defeat. 

It was a disappointing afternoon in North Wales for the Gills as the home side moved up to second in the table as Clemence’s side slipped to tenth albeit just two points outside the Play Off places. 

Gillingham were behind in the very first minute and despite their best efforts, a second goal followed for the home side in the second half meaning that it was another very long trip home for players and supporters alike! 

It was the same starting eleven who had won in the FA Cup seven days before, but they were behind inside the opening minute – Ollie Palmer sweeping the ball home after Jake Turner had saved his original effort. 

Gills could have forced an early equaliser as following a corner – won when a Jonny Williams effort was blocked and from the corner, Macauley Bonne’s effort was denied, and Shad Ogie snatched at the loose ball, and it went wide. 

On the stroke of half-time, Clemence was probably wishing he was still working in the Premier League as his side had a penalty appeal that would have been an interesting look if the “dreaded” VAR was in place in League Two. Scott Malone’s cross hit a Wrexham “arm” and despite loud penalty appeals, referee Finnie waved away the claims, but a second look may well have swayed the decision! 

After the break, Turner was at his brilliant best to deny Palmer a second as the unmarked home striker powered a header goalwards which the Gills stopper went full length to magnificently save. 

Jayden Clarke was denied twice by the home keeper before Ben Tozer effectively sealed the contest with the home sides second nineteen minutes from time, arriving late at the near post to hammer Jacob Mendy’s cross into the roof of the net. 

A disappointing afternoon then for Clemence and the 1,148 who made the trip. For the new head coach, the consolation that with no game in midweek, at least he will be able to have a full week with his charges on the training field before his League “debut” at Priestfield in seven days’ time! 

WREXHAM – Okonkwo, Hayden (Tunnicliffe), Tozer, O’Connor, Forde, Jones, Evans, Lee (Davies), Mendy, Palmer, Dalby 

Subs – Howard, Boyle, McAlinden, Cannon, Bickerstaff 

GILLINGHAM – Turner, Alexander, Masterson, Ogie, Malone, Coleman, Jefferies, Mahoney (Lapslie), Jayden Clarke (Dieng), Jonny Williams (Nichols), Bonne 

Subs – Morris, Clark, Ehmer, S. Williams 

REFEREE – Mr Finnie 

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC