Gillingham (1) 3 Nadesan 12 McKenzie 51,66
Southampton (0) 1 Alcaraz 90
Attendance: 7,775
Admission: £14 Senior
Programme: £3
Mileage: 48/600
Weather: 17degC., Light rain late in game
It wasn’t only the new LED boards that lit up Priestfield as Gillingham turned in a sparkling performance on the pitch to dump last season’s League Cup semi-finalists, Southampton, out of the competition in the opening round.
Southampton, who showed the customary disrespect to the competition, making 11 changes from the side that won their opening Championship game at Sheffield Wednesday, supposedly enjoyed 78% of possession, but in truth, were second best for all bar the last 10 minutes.
Priestfield is no longer the dreadful experience that I walked away from in 2018. Gone is the toxic atmosphere, open are food outlets and the LED’s might appear a cosmetic exercise but I’m sure they will be a commercial asset in quick time.
From the outset, Neil Harris’ side’s press allowed their illustrious guest no time on the ball and it was no surprise when, after 12 minutes, Dom Jeffries broke clear down the left before delivering an inch perfect low cross to the far post for Ashley Nadesan to convert.
Whilst Southampton struck the bar, Gills should have gone into the break with a greater advantage as Shad Ogie steered a header wide and they also saw a goal disallowed in time added.
If Saints manager Russell Martin expected a response from his side he didn’t get it and on 51 minutes Gillingham doubled their advantage as the visitors failed for the umpteenth time to deal with a corner ending with Robbie McKenzie touching home.
Another corner on 66 minutes hopelessly dealt with only cleared to the edge of the box where McKenzie drove low through the crowded penalty area past a helpless Alex McCarthy.
Southampton rallied late on to score a consolation through Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from his Wimbledon triumph.
Gillingham is a happy place once more, too late for me, now heavily invested at Tonbridge, but I’m so pleased for my many friends at the club that have stuck by them after a torrid four or five years.
No comments:
Post a Comment