Bristol Rovers 2 Gillingham 1
Gillingham's away day misery in League One continued on Saturday as their efforts were undone by a late penalty at Bristol Rovers.
Andy Barcham’s stunning strike five minutes before the break cancelled out the hosts’ early goal. It looked enough to claim only the club’s second away point of the season as the Gills defended well in terrible conditions, but Matt Fry’s handball allowed Rovers the chance to seal an eighth away defeat in nine games for Mark Stimson’s side.
The wind and rain at the Memorial Stadium was similar to the conditions the Gills faced against Oldham a week earlier and Stimson stuck with the same 4-5-1 system. Barry Fuller, who missed the 1-0 win against the Latics through suspension returned to captain the side, but top scorer Simeon Jackson had to make do with a place among the substitutes after a week away with Canada.
Gillingham played into the gusty wind in the first half and found it difficult to create any clear chances. Most of the goalmouth action was at the other end, with Simon Royce coming off his line to smother an opportunity for Chris Dickson.
The striker, who came close to returning to the Gills on loan in September, was inevitably involved in the opening goal, which came on 17 minutes. His overhead kick was parried by Royce but the rebound fell to the home side and Chris Lines was on hand to tap home.
Curtis Weston almost made it three goals in as many games with the Gills’ first effort on target but his deflected shot was well saved by Rovers goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen. It marked the start of a good spell for the visitors and the tall Danish stopper could do nothing about Barcham’s 40th-minute equaliser. Picking the ball up just inside Rovers’ half, the ex-Spurs man ran at the backpedalling defence before firing home from 25 yards.
It was as good as it got for the visitors, who were on the back foot for much of the second half. Royce made a succession of good saves and even Jackson’s introduction 25 minutes from time did little to affect the game.
The breakthrough came nine minutes from time, when Fry was penalised for a handball in the penalty area. Jeff Hughes converted from 12 yards and despite a late flurry from the visitors, they again left with nothing.
The Gills host Yeovil Town on Tuesday night.
POSTED: 22/11/2009 15:21:37
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