Gillingham (2) 2 Burton 12, Kedwell 22
AFC Wimbledon (0) 2 Midson 65, Meades 85
Att. 11,172
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3.00
Mileage: 45/5,730
Match Report
The music went round on a loop as we awaited the re-entrance of the Champions once the obligatory pitch invasion had been cleared. The Last Waltz and We Are The Champions was played three or four times, but missing was Lou Reed's Perfect Day, it would have been appropriate because this was a perfect day despite Gary Alexander doing his level best to spoil it with a shot that crashed against a post in the final minute of the game.
With only one point required to seal a first title for 49 years, this particular blogger was more than happy to accept a draw allowing AFC Wimbledon a suitable reward in their quest for preservation of their Football League status. The fans of this community club have endured enough injustice through the years and the wishes go with them in their final game of the season in which a win at Kingsmeadow against Fleetwood might not be enough to save them.The walk away from Priestfield was shared with people that had been waiting 45 years for their perfect day, whilst yours truly had spent a mere 38 years. Years that had been spent with a damn sight more downs than ups and seasons that had never had the title of Champions on the back of them.
As if to confirm that this day was going to be something special, after a long wait for an extra box of programmes to sourced came the unheard of queue to get OUT of the gents! Over 11,000 packed into Priestfield with AFC selling out their allocation and contributing to the electric atmosphere that was generated. All present were richly rewarded with a game of excitement and tension in abundance.
Gillingham swept their way into a two goal half-time lead and seemingly in cruise control following Deon Burton's 12th minute opener and Danny Kedwell's header ten minutes later, to which the ex-AFC Wimbledon striker chose not to celebrate and almost offered a hand of apology to the fans behind the goal that had previously adored him.
AFC Wimbledon were sent out by their manager Neil Ardley with the obvious message of nothing to lose lads, so give it a go and give it go they most certainly did.
After 20 minutes of the half, a poor throw out from Stuart Nelson was seized upon by Jonathan Meades and his cross from the bye-line was knocked back for Jack Midson to score from close range.
Although the crowd noise remained at full volume, there was a tension in the air where there had been calm as the visitors piled forward in search of an equaliser. This duly came with five minutes remaining, this time Midson crossing for Meades to apply the finish. Enough time remained for Alexander to almost stun the home support into silence despite most knowing that nearest rivals Port Vale were (at the time) losing against Northampton.
The stadium announcer, who had almost apologetically pleaded with the fans to stay off the pitch during the half-time break, was repeating his plea as a few hundred decamped the Rainham End in joyous celebration at the final whistle. Most were youngsters that would not have been even a twinkle in their father's eye back in 1964, but they will carry forward their memories of this perfect day to the next generation.
Chairman Paul Scally brought the League Two trophy to the podium from which the sponsors presented medals to the Champions before the cup was raised by captain Adam Barrett with the champagne spraying, Formula One style, soon to follow.
As the chorus to Perfect Day goes:Oh, it's such a perfect day
I'm glad I spend it with you
Oh, such a perfect day
You just keep me hanging on
You just keep me hanging on
Yes, Gillingham you kept me hanging on, for 38 years, but oh my god, it was worth the wait.
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