Gillingham 0 Walsall 0

Match 93/17/1543 - Saturday, 17th February 2018 - League One

Gillingham (0) 0
Walsall (0) 0
Attendance: 4,682

Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 58/6,643

A goalless draw can be entertaining and absorbing, sadly this was not the case with this particular encounter. Walsall came with a game plan that did not involve a lot of ambition and managed to stretch Tomas Holy just the once, a 30 yard shot from George Dobson just past the half-hour mark, that the goalkeeper pushed away.

Gillingham will reflect on missed chances with Tom Eaves having a couple of headers, one of which struck the top of the bar, and a hooked shot from close range that brushed the outside of a post. Josh Parker cleared the bar with a second half header; they were all opportunities that should have brought a winning goal.

What can we say we have learnt from the afternoon's exercise? Steve Lovell maintains that the first objective is 50-plus points and safety; without a shadow of doubt this will be attained. His side have far too much resolve to get dragged into a relegation battle.

Indeed, with six points the gap to a play-off place, the optimist has a right their hopes. But, in truth, the home form continues to fail to live up to the impressive results attained on the road and this will probably ensure that their mid-table position will be where they finish. But, that is no mean feat given Lovell's starting point.

Off the field, we also learnt that good form does not alone bring in the punters. The 7,500 attendances of the last two games was quickly reduced to 4,500 once said punters were asked to pay the full price. The missing people have shown a desire to watch the club, they just do not want to pay through the nose. Realistic season ticket and matchday prices are going to be needed next season if the club is not going to drop below the 4,000 threshold.

Two defeats in 17 games should be encouragement enough, sadly games like this one does very little to entice people back.