Gillingham (0) 0
Stockport County (0) 0
Att. 4,419
Entrance: £16
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/3,461
Match Report
The magic of the FA Cup returned to Priestfield this afternoon for the first time in nearly five years. There has been a straightforward victory over Bromley since the momentous victory over Charlton in 2004 but early exits away from home have been the watchword since.This tie was always going to be a tall order for Gillingham, whose formidable home form was matched point-for-point by Stockport County’s splendid away record. I had been forewarned by a Millwall supporting colleague that County were the best side he had seen at the New Den this season, so there was no surprise in the quality of our opponents.
Sadly the FA Cup these days doesn’t get the casual supporter out of his armchair and a 4,419 attendance was, while unsurprising, disappointing. What they lacked in numbers, the crowd made up for in volume. This was Priestfield of the good old days, the Rainham End giving wholehearted support that spread to the rest of the ground, making for a vibrant atmosphere.
What ensued was a enthralling cup tie, far more deserving than a goalless scoreline. Gillingham had the best of the first half with Mark Bentley spurning the best chance, a header that he steered wide. Adam Miller saw a drive tipped over by Owain fon Williams and another Bentley header had the Medway Stand mistakenly on their feet as he rippled the side netting.
Perhaps the defining moment of the game came midday through the half. Simeon Jackson chasing a long ball appeared to have got clear of County’s James Tunnicliffe. Jackson was wrestled to the ground, had the referee decided that it was a foul, the defender would almost certainly have been shown a red card, being the last man, as it was the referee saw nothing wrong, much to the disgust of the home crowd.
So a superb first half performance went unrewarded for the home side and unfortunately Gillingham could not quite replicate it in the second half. The best of the chances fell to the League One side, but while Simon Royce was called upon to make a couple of saves they were not of the spectacular kind. Simon King, named man of the match, and Gary Richards marshalled the tall twin strike force admirably, both strikers eventually substituted.
Taking the positives, Gillingham have matched one of the better sides from a division above and, for 45 minutes at least, played some of the best football seen this season. Unfortunately it has been not enough to win this stirring cup tie.
At least we are in the hat for tomorrow’s third round draw, but for me this brings mixed feelings. Do we want the Holy Grail fixture against one of the big four, knowing that defeat in the replay adds to the disappointment, or a draw against, say, Macclesfield, and the knowledge that we are not missing a big day out should we falter at Edgeley Park.
But in the spirit of the optimism shown at Priestfield this afternoon, on and off the park, we are not out of the FA Cup until the final ball is kicked, a week Tuesday at Stockport.
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