Gillingham 2 Grimsby Town 1

Match 76/22/2083 - Tuesday, 14th February 2023 - EFL League Two

Gillingham (0) 2 Lapslie 56 Hawkins 87
Grimsby Town (0) 1 Holohan 75
Attendance: 5,097

Admission: Season Ticket (borrowed)
Programme: £3
Mileage: 38/5,064

This was my first time back at Priestfield Stadium in 16 months and it was great to feel that I wanted to be there.

The Scally era has finally ended and with the new American owners, Brad and Shannon Galinson, there is new hope and supporters like myself are feeling encouraged to return.

A borrowed season ticket was a free hit that helped smooth the way and, at least the second half gave further encouragement to return in the future.

Making it clear, my times as a season ticket holder or a regular visitor to Gillingham, that boat has sailed. I’m too invested in Tonbridge Angels to make that return. But, after three years of making Gillingham my last choice of a match, they might become my first alternative.

So soon into the Galinson era obviously nothing has physically changed at Priestfield, the temporary stand from 2005 is still there and I guess it might see another couple of years of service yet. But was has changed, and this was what drove me away, is that the toxic atmosphere has been removed. True, the mood during a dire first half was subdued but it was never spiteful, just wasn’t greatly supportive.

But they came to life in the second period as Gillingham got themselves on the front foot and then the old place became electric.

As for the football, the first half was dire almost beyond belief to the point that my half-time conversation with season ticket holding friends was whether this was new Gillingham or same old Gillingham.

Thankfully, kicking towards the Rainham End provided the momentum and the supporters responded accordingly. An early opportunity for Tom Nichols that brought a superb save from Max Crocombe at the near post brought the crowd to their feet and on them they stayed for the half.

Gillingham went in front on 57 minutes after a concerted period of pressure that ended with Dom Jeffries sliding a cross across the face of goal to the far post where energetic George Lapslie was positioned for a virtual tap-in.

Grimsby responded, and backed by a superb following of nearly 300 for a Tuesday evening, brought a good save from Glenn Morris and a last ditch saving challenge from Masterson before equalising on 75 minutes. A hanging cross from the left by Anthony Glennon found Gavan Holohan at the far post to nod home from close range.

Oliver Hawkins went close to putting the Gills back in front with a shot deflected wide and Nichols had an effort blocked by Crocombe before Hawkins headed home a Cheye Alexander cross from the left hand angle of the six yard box to put the Gills ahead on 87 minutes and generate a roar that took the roof off the Rainham End.

The final whistle brought cup final winning celebrations from a support that has been through the mill but now have the confidence that they have their club back and, in a small way, I want to be a part of that.