Gillingham 2 Shrewsbury Town 0

Match 17/10/835 - Saturday, 11th September 2010 - League Two

Gillingham (0) 2 Palmer 12, 59 (pen)
Shrewsbury Town (0) 0
Att. 4,815

Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/2,831

Match Report

Isn't it just sods law that after leaking five goals at Bury last week and with the League leaders, Shrewsbury visiting, Gillingham not only win for the first time this season but also collect a clean sheet in the process.

And, on the superstition front, a scarf was already surplus to requirements given the warmth of the day and following last week's success for Tonbridge, the blue and black was destined to stay in the car . . . and once again it worked!

The casualty from the Bury defeat was Josh Gowling, with Matt Lawrence moving into the centre of the defence and Cody McDonald in for his home debut.

Gillingham got off to a brisk start and a couple of chances went begging before Chris Palmer had two stabs at goal following a Jack Payne long throw, the second finding its way past Chris Neal.

The home side went onto dominate the first half, Neal made a fine save from a Danny Spiller chip and McDonald had a good claim to a penalty award when he was hauled down by Shane Cansdell-Sheriff.

A less obvious appeal for a penalty was given after five minutes of the second half when Matt Sadler handled a Barry Fuller cross. Adebayo Akinfenwa stepped up to take the penalty when, perhaps, the likes of Chris Palmer might have been the more obvious choice. Akinfenwa's spot kick was weak and Neal saved and gathered his own parry.

On the hour Gillingham were awarded a second penalty when Spiller was brought down by Craig Disley. This time Palmer did step up and sent the Shrews keeper the wrong way to double their advantage.

For league leaders, Shrewsbury must have been a big disappointment to their fans on the day and only a late efforts from Mark Wright and Steve Leslie stretching keeper Lance Cronin, one of the villains in the nightmare at Gigg Lane.

Priestfield breathed just a little easier as the final whistle brought a victory for the first time in eight games including two Cup exits.