Gillingham (0) 1 Vine 58
Dagenham & Redbridge (1) 2 Woodall 38, Green 73
Att. 5,773
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3.00
Mileage: 45/4,530
Match Report
The producers of television’s soap operas have a technique that is called “the hook”. It is the last scene of the episode and it is written to leave the viewer wanting to know the outcome and therefore tuning in again next time. Gillingham, by default, exercised their own version of the hook this Easter weekend. Following their draw at Bristol Rovers, it was my judgement that play-off hopes had been extinguished and because of that I would make the choice to turn my back on the season ticket in favour of visiting Woking, champions-elect of Conference South, for Tonbridge’s game.But, on Good Friday evening, the hook was exercised and Oxford’s defeat at Northampton left Gillingham just three points adrift and still realistically in with a chance. Loyalty told my heart that Priestfield was the place to be on Monday and my head listened. Why oh why, could I not have followed my instincts as my reward for patience that has been running on empty for weeks was a truly appalling performance that coupled with results elsewhere has finally put to bed that misguided optimism.
I cannot believe that footballers go into any match, especially at this point in the season, with a “don’t care” attitude, but something didn’t click with the home side and the result was a performance where they were second best to a Dagenham side, for whom the three points virtually assures their Football League status for next season. The East London side were sharper, made better choices and thoroughly deserved their success.
This season has been a complete enigma. On one hand, nobody has scored more goals than Gillingham and for that reason alone it would indicate an entertaining season, but in truth, it has been far from that. Too many times three goals have not been enough to stave off defeat as inept defending has cost them dear, and this game was no different. On this occasion, question marks would be levelled against the young goalkeeper, who could have done better for both goals.
Neither side coped with the blustery conditions and the standard of football was poor to say the least. In the 38th minute Gillingham produced their best moment as Jack Payne broke clear and into the box but overran the ball allowing Daggers’ keeper Chris Lewington to smother at his feet. From the goalkeeper’s hands in a direct move, Abu Ogogo broke down the right, got inside Joe Martin to crack in a shot that Paulo Gazzaniga failed to hold and Brian Woodall was on hand to tap in the rebound to the delight of the 300-odd visiting fans.
It was no surprise that the half-time whistle was greeted with a chorus of boos and Gillingham’s reaction was positive at the beginning of the second half.
Dagenham opened with an effort from Josh Parker that was well saved, one-handed by Gazzaniga before Chris Whelpdale lobbed the goalkeeper only to see his effort was cleared from in front of the line. On 58 minutes, Rowan Vine levelled the score with a fine goal. The striker, on loan from QPR, got free down the left hand side and from the edge of the box curled a shot into the far corner. It was a great strike and should have given Gillingham the lift to complete the victory but it was the visitors that responded the better.
Dominic Green gave the home side due warning when he had a shot saved by Gazzaniga before, in the 73rd minute, showing a good turn of pace, he cut inside Danny Jackman, leaving Payne trailing in his wake, before planting a shot, that skipped off the wet turf and over the sprawling dive of the young keeper.
Gillingham had no response and the final whistle effectively sounded the end of a thoroughly frustrating season. There have been worse seasons than this one, there have been far worse times for the club, but this term began with high expectations and they have been far from fulfilled. Where Gillingham go now is entirely in the hands of chairman Paul Scally. Andy Hessenthaler has failed to fulfil the remit and the vast majority have lost patience and want change. My own opinion has changed in these last few weeks, I didn’t want to listen to my head because my heart wanted Hess to succeed, but the penny has dropped and with season ticket purchase pending, a fresh start is needed to convince myself and many others that it is going to be money well-spent. Whether the chairman can put his loyalty to Hess to one side to make that fresh start is going to be the hook that draws the punters back for another tilt at getting out of the bottom tier in August.
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