Gillingham 0 Carlisle United 0

Match 59/07/676 - Saturday, 29th March 2008 - League One

Gillingham (0) 0
Carlisle United (0) 0
Att. 6,673

Entrance: Season ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/5,363

Match Report

There is hope! This was a much improved performance that possibly deserved more than a point against Carlisle, a side occupying one of the automatic promotion positions. A 25 yard drive from Simeon Jackson smacked against the bar and such is your luck when you are at the foot of the division.

Defeats for Crewe and Millwall inches Gillingham a little closer and if, that very big IF, they were to beat fellow relegation fodder, Luton Town on Tuesday then just a point will separate the Gills from Crewe. A win would also set up a big clash at the New Den next Saturday.

All over the pitch Gillingham were far better than in recent weeks. Nicky Southall was a welcome returnee after injury and he added quality that has been missing on that flank. Danny Cullip also returned and the back four look more solid with his added strength and experience. Back from international duty came Andrew Crofts, sorely missed at Port Vale on Monday.

Gillingham survived an early scare when Southall cleared off the line with Carlisle appealing that the ball had crossed the line. In these opening minutes Derek Stille flapped badly at a couple of crosses, but he recovered to make good saves further into the game.

Mark Bentley and Crofts were competing well in midfield and several half-chances fell the way of Jackson, who could not convert his energetic performance into goals. When the final analysis of the season comes around, it could be the very poor chances to goals ratio that is going to relegate us. When you take away loanee Chris Dickson’s goals then the tally becomes very sparse.

Gillingham gave away a thousand or more tickets and were rewarded for their initiative with a vibrant atmosphere that was willing and ready to drive the side forwards in their quest for vital points. There was no negativity, no chants for anybody’s head and though the win did not come, I’m sure some of the freebies might be enticed back for another game in this anxious run-in.

To use the IF word again, IF only we had produced more performances like this since Christmas undoubtedly we would not be in the mess we are in. IF we can keep Danny Cullip fit for the rest of the season there might just be a couple of clean sheets obtained in the last six games and IF Simeon Jackson’s luck changes he might just supply the goals that are going to keep the club in this division.

IF, a very small word with very big consequences.