Gillingham (0) 0
Burton Albion (0) 3 McCrory 59, Atkins 90+1, O'Connor 90+5
Attendance: 6,230
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 56/3,724
Match report
For 36 minutes Gillingham struggled against a strong wind and a decent team that arrived at Priestfield at the summit of League One. They rode their luck and had Stuart Nelson to thank for a succession of saves. Had they got into the dressing room at the break with a full complement of staff and to return to the field with the wind at their backs, who knows what might have happened. But having been booked 10 minutes previously, Loft stupidly kicked out after being pulled back by Stuart Beavon. The referee, who had a poor afternoon, didn't have a great deal of options available to him and Loft was dismissed whilst Beavon's original challenge went unpunished.
Beavon tested Nelson once more before the Brewers took the lead 13 minutes into the second half. The ball was laid back from the edge of the box to Damien McCrory who drilled a low shot past Nelson from 20 yards.
Gillingham responded almost immediately when a speculative shot from 30 yards out on the left hand side, sailed over the head of Burton's keeper, John McLaughlin, but crashed against the bar.
In fairness, Gillingham made a valiant effort to rescue the game. Justin Edinburgh made attacking changes and whilst they enjoyed a little more forward possession they didn't produce many chances and the threat of being caught on the break was always evident.
They were punished twice in the closing minutes, firstly on the 90, Lucas Atkins took a cross into the box and slotted the ball under Nelson and, with the final kick of the match, Anthony O'Connor diverted a shot into the net to give the game a slightly flattering scoreline in the visitor's favour.
The wife passed the comment as I left for Priestfield that this was a six-pointer, I have to say I don't think that you can have a realistic six-pointer in December. But, despite the caveat of going down to 10 men, there was enough evidence before the sending off that against the better sides in the division, Gillingham might just be a little short if they are to mount a serious promotion campaign. Fourth in the table coming up to Christmas, there cannot be a Gillingham supporter that would not have accepted that position back in August, now is the time to strengthen and kick on. Over to you, Chairman Scally and Edinburgh.
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