Gillingham (0) 0
Walsall (0) 0
Att. 4,796
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/5,130
Match Report
If this afternoon was to be the last that Priestfield Stadium sees of Simeon Jackson as a Gillingham player, internet message board rumours of a move to Millwall were given a little more substance by Radio Kent, then we will be left with a final memory of missed opportunities.In the first half, Jackson raced clear only to plant a weak shot into the arms of Clayton Ince and midway through the second half the gangling legs of Saddlers’ central defender Clayton McDonald took the ball away as the striker looked to pull the trigger. It was a brilliant last ditch tackle, but from the stands questions were being asked as to why Gills’ ace marksman needed to take the ball on an extra yard.
It was all indicative of the frustration that was endured by the Gillingham faithful as two points slipped away in their quest to ease themselves away from the League One drop zone.
On a bitterly cold afternoon, Josh Gowling returned to the side, following his midweek absence at Hartlepool, replacing Tristan Plummer.
Gillingham survived an early scare when Alan Julian produced a superb double save to the acclaim of his team mates, high fives were exchanged and it was good to see that sportsmanship is still alive and kicking as Walsall’s Troy Deeley also proffered the hand of congratulation.The home side recovered their composure and went on to dominate, in terms of possession, the opening half. Prior to Jackson’s 44th minute chance, teenager Jack Payne three times had shots on goal, two of which were on target but easily gathered by Ince.
Gillingham started the second half brightly and in a move remarkably similar to their midweek goal at Hartlepool, a Rene Howe cross from the right was met by an angled header from Jackson. Unfortunately the similarity ends there as the striker’s contact was nowhere near as good this time around and the chance went begging.
The home side had the ball in the net with 20 minutes remaining but the play had already been brought back by referee Deadman for a challenge by Jamie Vincent on Mark Bentley. It was a poor decision from the official who booked the defender mainly to cover his own embarrassment.
The glorious chance that fell Simeon Jackson’s way was almost their last as Walsall smothered most of what the home side managed to put before them. Bentley saw one final chance following a Andy Barcham cross turned away for a corner by Vincent.
A week ago a point was seen as one earned against a more robust Colchester side, but today’s will been seen by most as two frustratingly lost.
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