Gillingham FC

It may only be a draw, but never has it felt so good to see Gillingham draw 2-2 away to Bradford City.

Following three disappointing away defeats in a row, including that 7-0 drubbing from Shrewsbury, one could only think a fourth away defeat in a row was on the cards, especially when you’re playing Bradford City at the Valley Parade. And after being 2-0 down at half-time, it almost seemed a certainty.

However, a double from Simeon Jackson and a never-say-die attitude after going down to ten men ensured Gillingham would get a share of the points against a very good Bradford side.

It was a largely unexpected result, as disappointing away defeats to Aldershot and Exeter have made Gillingham fans develop a rather pessimistic attitude to away games, hence why only 237 Gillingham fans were present in the 12,432 attendance at Valley Parade. Such poor results had also led to some fans calling for the sacking of manager Mark Stimson.

But after following up last week’s spectacular 5-0 win over Morecambe with a thoroughly deserved 2-2 draw at Bradford, the pressure seems to be off Stimson, for the time being anyway.

The Gills are starting to get back into form, and have strengthened their grip on eighth spot as they look to challenge for a play-off place. Simeon Jackson looks to be banging in the goals, with his double today taking his tally to seven for the season, as he looks to repay his £150,000 price tag.

The return of key players like Nicky Southall, Gary Mulligan, and Mark McCammon look to have rejuvenated the side as the Gills have picked up on goals as well as their overall performance. And the loan signings of Curtis Weston and Andrew Barcham seem to be having an impact on the team, as their hard working performances of late have spurred the Gills on.

Gillingham have been sensational at home in their last few games, making Priestfield seem like a bit of a fortress. And such form seems to be rubbing off in their away games now as well, as the Gills have finally broken their losing streak away from home.

But the big question is: how long can Gillingham retain this current form?

As past seasons have shown, this could well be yet another false hope of a new dawn.

After the disappointments of defeats to Exeter City and Colchester United, Gillingham got back to winning ways with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Morecambe.

It was Morecambe’s first ever league encounter with Gillingham, and it was one to forget for the Shrimps, as goals from Mark Bentley, a double from Simeon Jackson, Nicky Southall, and Mark McCammon gave Gillingham their fourth win in a row at the KRBS Priestfield Stadium.

It was the visitors who in fact started the brightest, enjoying the better possession and having the game’s first half-chances.

They then had the game’s first real chance on 15 minutes, when a goal bound header by defender David Artell was saved brilliantly by Simon Royce.

Morecambe started better, but Gillingham scored first, when on 21 minutes Mark Bentley found the back of the net from an Albert Jarrett free kick. Following a set piece routine involving Nicky Southall, Jarrett curled the ball to the far post for the unmarked Bentley to head in, and give the Gills the lead slightly against the run of the play.

But it wasn’t to be against the run of play when Simeon Jackson made it two for Gillingham three minutes later. After picking up a Nicky Southall pass on the edge of the box, the Canadian placed a low effort into the bottom corner to double Gillingham’s advantage.

After seeing the midfielders and strikers in on the scoring, defender Simon King fancied his chances to get on the scoresheet, when he smashed a shot on goal from the edge of the box. Morecambe 'keeper Barry Roche pushed King’s effort out for a corner, and after what happened from the resulting corner, the Gills were unlucky not to be 3-0 up.

Nicky Southall played a short corner in that was dummied twice before newly appointed captain Barry Fuller hit a shot that was blocked off the line. Simeon Jackson reacted well from the rebound and thought he’d put it in, but the ball hit the post and came back out to Mark Bentley, who put end to the attacking frenzy when he could only direct his header wide following the rebound off the post.

But it didn’t matter too much as Gillingham soon made it 3-0, when on 35 minutes Simeon Jackson got his second. After picking up the ball on the wing, Jackson drove the ball into the box before side stepping two Morecambe defenders and beating Barry Roche at his near post with a good low strike.

Gillingham continued to dominate for the rest of the half and had a couple of great chances to further their lead. Firstly, Gary Mulligan hit a shot just over after Andrew Barcham ran the ball into the box, and then Simeon Jackson was on for a hat-trick before having his shot blocked off the line.

Following the half-time break, Gillingham picked up where they left off and continued to push for a fourth. And Morecambe almost gave it to them, when substitute Neil Wainwright was thankful that his attempted clearance from Curtis Weston’s cross went the other side of the post and out for just a corner.

On 65 minutes, Simon King again tried to get on the scoresheet when he had a header just about saved by Roche. Southall lofted a free kick to the far post, where Andrew Barcham was on hand to send it back into the box for Simon King, but Roche held on at a second attempt to again deny King his chance to get on the scoresheet.

Barbados international Mark McCammon made his return to the side following a three game suspension when he came on for Gary Mulligan, and had an instant impact when he placed a low effort just wide after being sent through by Barry Fuller within six minutes of his introduction to the game.

A minute later he was largely responsible for Gillingham’s fourth of the match. After chasing down a long ball, McCammon forced Roche to come out of his area and clear rather wildly, and around 35 yards from goal, the ball went up, and back down to Nicky Southall, who simply had the task of hitting the ball into an empty net.

Ten minutes from time and Mark McCammon got his name on the scoresheet. The Barbadian striker got on the end of an Andrew Barcham cross from the left, and smashed a shot into the bottom right corner.

In the end, five goals in a five-star performance for the mighty Gills. Mark Stimson might have come under heavy criticism lately, but after seeing his Gillingham side totally outclass Morecambe in all departments, surely this is one big step towards reclaiming the support of the Gillingham faithful.  

After two disappointing away defeats, Gillingham got back to winning ways with a third successive victory at the KRBS Priestfield Stadium. An own goal from Port Vale centre-back John McCombe gave the Gills a 1-0 win.

Port Vale, who are manager-less after the departure of Lee Sinnott, had the better of the opening exchanges, and had the game’s first real chance on three minutes, when Shane Tudor hit a good shot straight at Simon Royce.

This meant Gillingham’s first real chance didn’t arrive until 15 minutes. John Nutter smashed a shot just wide of the left post following a Charlie Daniels corner.

The Gills had another chance minutes later when Nutter turned provider for Andrew Crofts, but the Welsh international could only direct his header straight at keeper Joe Anyon.

As the half-hour mark passed, Gillingham started to take control of the game, and this was made evident when they took the lead on 33 minutes. John Nutter’s dangerous free-kick was headed in by centre-back John McCombe, who headed into his own net to put the Gills 1-0 up.

Port Vale didn’t really manage to respond, as Gillingham went on to dominate the rest of the first half and had two more decent opportunities before the interval.

The start of the second half was a stark contrast to the first, as both teams exploded into action. Gillingham had a golden opportunity on 51 minutes when debutant Andrew Barcham almost doubled Gillingham’s lead.

The on-loan striker had a lobbed effort turned onto the crossbar by Vale defender Luke Prosser. Simeon Jackson could not convert the follow-up.

The Gills had another good opportunity on 65 minutes. After being fouled on the edge of the area, Charlie Daniels had Vale keeper Joe Anyon scrambling as he tried to keep hold of a deflected free-kick.

At the other end, John Nutter was on hand to preserve Gillingham’s lead, after Anthony Griffin saw Royce out of position and tried to take advantage with a long range shot.  

Garry Richards had another good chance on 72 minutes, when he saw his header go just wide, while the Vale were pushing to achieve something from the match, and had Simon Royce in action on 77 minutes. Marc Richards forced Royce into a great save to keep Gillingham in the lead.

The Gills had yet another good opportunity when Simeon Jackson beat Anyon at his near post after being put through by Curtis Weston. The Canadian could not take advantage however, as he saw his shot rebound off the post.

Andrew Crofts had another chance for the Gills, his low effort from the edge of the box again forcing Anyon into a save.

Port Vale pushed for an equaliser in the last few minutes, but the Gills held on and secured their third successive win at the KRBS Priestfield stadium. A good result to erase the bad memories of last week’s defeat, and the 7-0 drubbing the week before.

After two disappointing away defeats, Gillingham got back to winning ways with a third successive victory at the KRBS Priestfield Stadium. An own goal from Port Vale centre-back John McCombe gave the Gills a 1-0 win.

Port Vale, who are managerless after the departure of Lee Sinnott, had the better of the opening exchanges, and had the game’s first real chance on 3 minutes, when Shane Tudor hit a good shot, but it was straight at Simon Royce.

This meant Gillingham’s first real chance didn’t arrive until 15 minutes. John Nutter smashed a shot just wide of the left post following a Charlie Daniels corner.

The Gills had another chance minutes later when Nutter turned provider for Andrew Crofts, but the Welsh international could only direct his header straight at keeper Joe Anyon.

As the half-hour mark passed, Gillingham started to take control of the game, and this was made evident when they took the lead on 33 minutes. John Nutter’s dangerous free-kick was headed in by centre-back John McCombe, who headed into his own net to put the Gills 1-0 up.

Port Vale didn’t really manage to respond, as Gillingham went on to dominate the rest of the first half and had two more decent opportunities before the interval.

The start of the second half was a stark contrast to the first, as both teams exploded into action. Gillingham had a golden opportunity on 51 minutes when debutant Andrew Barcham almost doubled Gillingham’s lead. The on-loan striker had a lobbed effort turned onto the crossbar by Vale defender Luke Prosser. Simeon Jackson could not convert the follow-up.

The Gills had another good opportunity on 65 minutes. After being fouled on the edge of the area, Charlie Daniels had Vale keeper Joe Anyon scrambling as he tried to keep hold of a deflected free-kick.

At the other end, John Nutter was on hand to preserve Gillingham’s lead, after Anthony Griffin saw Royce out of position and tried to take advantage with a long range shot.  

Garry Richards had another good chance on 72 minutes, when he saw his header go just wide, while the Vale were pushing to achieve something from the match, and had Simon Royce in action on 77 minutes. Marc Richards forced Royce into a great save to keep Gillingham in the lead.

The Gills had yet another good opportunity when Simeon Jackson beat Anyon at his near post after being put through by Curtis Weston. The Canadian could not take advantage however, as he saw his shot rebound off the post.

Andrew Crofts had another chance for the Gills, his low effort from the edge of the box again forcing Anyon into a save.

Port Vale pushed for an equaliser in the last few minutes, but the Gills held on and secured their third successive win at the KRBS Priestfield stadium. A good result to erase the bad memories of last week’s defeat, and the 7-0 drubbing the week before.

After seeing loads of articles about reasons why to love or hate certain football teams, I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon, and give 10 reasons why I love Gillingham Football Club.

They're only a League Two club, but they're far better in my view than a Liverpool or an Arsenal or a Chelsea or a Manchester United. Gillingham are a real football club.

So here are my reasons.

1. The fans 

Gillingham have the best fans in the world. At Priestfield we’re amazing, we always spur on the team to go that bit extra. Away from home, we’re unbelievable. We’re so loud that even the home team and fans are intimidated by us!

2. The KRBS Priestfield Stadium 

There’s only usually 5,000 at a game (out of 11,000 capacity) but it is always a daunting place for teams to visit, especially for opposition players with funny names or ginger hair. They receive so much stick they crumble on the pitch and explode into tears once they’re in the dressing room.

3. The Highs

I’ve had some incredible times following the Gills. Our promotion season in ’96, our Wembley game against Wigan in 2000 promoting us to the First Divison (now Championship) for the first time, an F.A Cup win over Charlton, a League Cup win over Portsmouth, are just a few of the high times I’ve experienced as a proud Gillingham fan.

4. The Lows

To be honest, even the lows times are okay. I have experienced many lows as a Gills fan. Two relegations, 5-0, 6-0, 7-0 drubbings away from home which make me wonder why I bother making the journey to watch them away, are just a few of the lows. But it’s all okay because I get respected for not being a glory hunter!

5. My mate Vaughan

Probably the most die-hard Gillingham fan you’ll ever see. He’d do anything for the Gills. He’ll even criticise them for not scoring good enough goals. “F*ckin’ hell Jacko! That was sh*t! You could’ve at least taken it round 13 players before scoring from 35 yards!”

6. Andrew Crofts

A  Gillingham legend. A true Gillingham lad who gives his heart and soul for his beloved Gillingham Football Club. Also, the most capped player while at Gillingham, so far receiving 12 caps for Wales.

7. Other Legends

Nicky Southall, Andy Hessenthaler, Ian Cox to name but a few from my era. Truly fantastic servants for the Gills who always provided good entertainment for the Gillingham faithful.

8. Brent Sancho

Gillingham’s first ever player to play in the World Cup while at Gillingham, playing for Trinidad and Tobago (wow! Two teams in one lol). He is also technically the first Gills player to score in the World Cup, scoring an own goal in the game against Paraguay. Sums Gillingham up really doesn’t it?

9. Simeon Jackson

A great young striker, a Canada U-20 international, who has been getting the goals for the Gills recently. But the reason I love him is because he always seems to be the scapegoat (when we criticise the players that is) for Gillingham poor performances. “We wouldn’t have lost if Jacko was a bit stronger.” “He’s so f*ckin greedy that Jacko. If only he let someone else score the goals we would win more.” I love Gillingham fans.

10. Ex-Gilingham Players

There are some great players out there who were once Gills players. Jason Brown (Blackburn), Mamady Sidibe (Stoke) Marlon King (Hull) Nyron Nosworthy (Sunderland) are just a few of the ex-Gills players that have gone on to better things, adding to the collection of other ex-Gills players who have become legends, such as Tony Cascarino and Steve Bruce.

It’s great as it means that the once worthless memorabilia signed by King, Sidibe, Brown, Nosworthy, etc, can now get me a load of money on e-bay. The youth players think I’m weird asking for their autographs all the time, but if the aforementioned players are anything to go by, I reckon I’ll be rich by the time I’m 30.

So there you are, 10 reasons why I love the mighty Gills.

Just as I thought my beloved Gillingham were back to winning ways, we travel to The New Meadow in Shrewsbury and get thrashed 7-0.

This defeat comes on the back of three wins in a row for us mighty Gills. A 2-1 win at Darlington, followed by the unspectacular 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley, and the rather spectacular 3-0 victory over Grimsby Town.

We looked to have had some momentum going there. The fantastic win over Grimsby gave us some hope for the game this weekend.

Shrewsbury are a great side, probably the best in League Two, but after last week's great form, we at least thought we would had a chance this weekend.

Think again say Shrewsbury Town. Not to be beaten at home by "The Pikey Army" (as Gillingham fans for some reason love to call themselves), Shrewsbury decided to burst Gillingham's bubble and end their winning streak.

And it was in typical Gillingham fashion that we end our good run of form. By losing 7-0.

Us Gillingham fans are accustomed to pain and misery, so it was expected that we would get thrashed by Shrewsbury. Playing away to the best team in the league, with the chance to end a good winning streak, it was all too inevitable that we would get demolished.

But I have to say credit to Shrewsbury. They came out and gave their fans real value for money. It was a real spectacle for their fans, and a day that most of them will remember for a long time.

For what it's worth, I will give you an account of Shrewsbury's goals and a brief description of them:

1-0: Michael Jackson (not the singer, the defender). Brilliant corner in by Ben Davies, who picked out Jackson at the far post to head in and give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

2-0: David Hibbert. After collecting a pass deep into Gillingham's half, Hibbert hit a fine strike from the edge of the area that left keeper Simon Royce no chance.

3-0: Ben Davies. A brilliant free-kick from the left touchline. The ball curled it's way round everyone and into the back of the net.

4-0: Graham Coughlan. A simple header in after a good flick on from Michael Jackson.

5-0: Shane Cansdell-Sheriff. Ben Davies drove the ball into the Gillingham area before pulling back for Cansdell-Sheriff to make it 5-0.

6-0: Grant Holt (penalty). From worse to a real-life nightmare for the Gills as Simon King fouls Grant Holt inside penalty area. Holt dusts himself down to slot the resulting penalty into the far corner.

7-0: Ben Davies. From great to brilliant for the impressive Ben Davies. The midfielder hits another exquisite free-kick, from the left edge of the Gillingham area, that leaves Simon Royce clutching at thin air.

In typical Gillingham fashion, following a good winning streak, us fans witness another spectacular performance. From our opponents, of course.

Gillingham made it three wins in a row today with a fantastic 3-0 victory over Grimsby Town at the KRBS Priestfield Stadium. Goals from Simeon Jackson, Mark McCammon, and Charlie Daniels gave Gillingham a much deserved win.

As it seems to be in previous games this season, Gillingham started the brightest, creating more chances and dominating possession. They had their first half chance on two minutes; Dennis Oli with a header on goal from a Simon King free-kick. It was straight at the keeper, but it showed Gillingham’s attacking intent.

The first real chance for Gillingham fell to Charlie Daniels, when on 20 minutes the midfielder found space on the edge of the area before unleashing a goal bound effort, which was deflected out for a goal kick by teammate Simeon Jackson, as the Canadian could not get out of the way quick enough.

After starting rather poorly, Grimsby wanted their say in the game and had a great chance on 25 minutes. Simon Royce was called into action to save a good effort from Peter Till, but the ex-Charlton goalkeeper palmed straight into the path of Nick Hegarty, who would’ve scored had it not been for a crucial tackle from Barry Fuller.

Simeon Jackson had a good chance on 29 minutes, when he broke away from the Grimsby defence after being played through by a Dennis Oli header. His half-volley looked to be going in until Grimsby keeper Phil Barnes got down low to push it out to the safety of a corner.

Gillingham failed to convert from the corner, but didn’t fail from another one five minutes later. John Nutter put a corner in from the right that was flicked on by Dennis Oli, and into the path of Simeon Jackson, who made no mistake and headed in to give Gillingham a deserved lead.

Stuart Lewis had a chance to double the lead minutes later, after being teed up by Gary Mulligan. The midfielder had his effort deflected wide however, and the Gills created little more in the remainder of the first half.

The second half didn’t start brightly for either side, although the Gills had the better possession and perhaps the better chances. Curtis Weston, replacing Stuart Lewis, had the Gills’ first chance following the interval with a low effort on 51 minutes. Barnes made a good save however, to deny Gillingham their second of the game.

The Gills became more comfortable as the half wore on, and were guilty of complacency on 61 minutes. Substitute Danny North, who came on for Simon Heslop, smashed a shot from 25 yards that looked to be going over. That was until it hit the underside of the crossbar, unlucky not to deflect in. A scare for Royce and Gillingham, who thought the ball would go over for a goal kick.

Gillingham then woke up, and responded nine minutes later, when Barbados international Mark McCammon made it 2-0. After having a first attempt blocked, Simeon Jackson flicked the ball back to McCammon to have a second attempt. The giant striker didn’t fail this time as he slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. The goal was McCammon’s first ever goal for Gillingham, and the first goal of the season in front of the Brian Moore stand.

The Gills sealed the win two minutes from time, when a moment of magic from Charlie Daniels sent the Gillingham fans into ecstasy. The midfielder showed his Tottenham Hotspur quality with an exquisite free kick from 30 yards that curled into the top left corner, leaving Phil Barnes no chance.

So it was another victory for Gillingham, meaning they now have three wins in a row and have pushed up into a play-off place in the League Two table. A great performance by Gillingham, and one that will go a long way to help ease the pain following last season’s disappointment.

Manager Mark Stimson made two changes from last week’s side that won against Darlington. For the visit of Accrington Stanley, new loan signing Charlie Daniels made his debut on the left side of midfield, meaning Dennis Oli had to go on the right, replacing Tyrone Berry.

Gillingham had the better of the opening exchanges and had a great chance on 9 minutes. Mark McCammon rose above Accrington’s defence and hit a good header on goal, but keeper Kenny Arthur was on hand to save it off the line.

The Gills continued to have the better possession, but didn’t make their next real chance until 22 minutes into the game. After shrugging off the challenge of defender Phil Edwards, Simeon Jackson drove the ball into the box, and smashed a shot near the right post that needed to be pushed out to safety by Arthur. Garry Richards had his header blocked off the line from the resulting corner.

Accrington had their first chance of the game 4 minutes later, when James Ryan’s free-kick rebounded off Barry Fuller and back to the midfielder, who curled a second attempt just wide of the right post.

A minute later Mark McCammon had yet another chance for the Gills, as he headed just over the crossbar following a John Nutter corner.

And  the Barbados international had another great chance just before the interval. The big striker found himself unmarked in the Accrington area, but failed to capitalise as he was quickly denied by the onrushing Kenny Arthur.

Gillingham came out in the second half again the better side, and had their first chance after the break on 50 minutes, when Simeon Jackson was in a position to score, but failed to capitalise as he couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet.

Gary Mulligan then replaced Mark McCammon, and it might’ve seemed that the Irishman could make another instant impact.

Simeon Jackson shrugged off his marker and digged out a shot on target that forced Kenny Arthur into a save to push the ball behind. John Nutter then picked out Mulligan from the resulting corner, and the striker hit a header that flew just wide of the far post.

It now seemed inevitable that Gillingham would score, as the Gills poured forward time and time again in pursuit of that winning goal. On 60 minutes Charlie Daniels far post cross was headed just wide by captain Andrew Crofts, and on 65 minutes Garry Richards headed just over following a corner.

Kenny Arthur was then called to make a dramatic diving save to turn an Andrew Crofts header round the post and out to safety.

But that safety of a clean sheet was about to disappear, as Gillingham finally scored that goal they threatened to do all match.

And it was Dennis Oli who got the goal. The big forward slotted coolly under Kenny Arthur after he collected a cross at the near post from Charlie Daniels.

After taking the lead, Gillingham could’ve doubled it when Gary Mulligan hit a shot just over the crossbar, following good work from Simeon Jackson and Adam Miller to create an opening for the striker on 81 minutes.

Accrington then turned up the heat in the closing stages, as they went in pursuit of that equalising goal. But it was not to be for Stanley, as the Gills held on to record back-to-back victories and push up to ninth in the table.

For the visit of Luton Town, manager Mark Stimson was forced to make several changes to his preferred starting XI. There were first starts for Dennis Oli and Tyrone Berry, whilst Alan Julian and Leigh Mills made their league debuts for the Gills.

Luton started very much the brighter in the opening few minutes, and this was obvious when the Hatters took the lead as early as three minutes into the game. Sam Parkin headed in past the diving Julian after a cross on the left by Chris Martin.

Gillingham failed to make an instant response, and found that chances were few and far between as they failed to cope with Luton's strong, physical style of play.

Simeon Jackson had a chance on 10 minutes, when a wayward header went his way, but the striker squandered the opportunity as he couldn't control the ball. If only he did, then the Gills most certainly would've been level.

Jackson then had another chance on 22 minutes when he latched onto a long range pass, but the Canadian forward lost his balance and hit his shot way over the crossbar.

There was yet another chance for Simeon Jackson on 40 minutes, when Tyrone Berry drove the ball into the box before picking out Jackson at the near post, whose shot on target was cleared off the line.

Minutes after the second half began Gillingham had another effort cleared off the line, this time it was Mark McCammon, whose headed effort was blocked at the far post.

Gillingham then had their best chances of the game 20 minutes from the end in a chaotic goalmouth scramble. It would've seemed that Stimson's tactics of putting Gary Mulligan on and playing a 4-3-3 formation were about to instantly pay off, with Simeon Jackson, Tyrone Berry and Andrew Crofts all having shots that looked to be going in.

But Luton blocked all their efforts and survived the Gillingham onslaught to preserve their lead.

There was nothing else the Gills could really throw at Luton, and despite their best efforts, Gillingham could not avoid defeat against the Hatters, and have therefore begun their season very disappointingly.

Gillingham made an early exit in the Carling Cup tonight after losing 1-0 at home to League One side Colchester United.

The Gills made two changes from the starting XI against Bournemouth, with Alan Julian replacing Simon Royce in goal and Nicky Southall coming back into the side to replace loanee Curtis Weston.

Gillingham started the match brightest and this was made clear right from the off when Barry Fuller had Gills first after just 30 seconds. Unfortunately, the full-back blazed his shot over the crossbar.

Mark McCammon then had a golden opportunity to give the Gills an early lead. On four minutes he broke through the Colchester defence and was one-on-one with the keeper. Unfortunately, he hit his shot straight at the advancing Dean Gerkan.

The Gills started the brightest and looked the stronger team, but it was Colchester who broke the deadlock very much against the run of play.

On 10 minutes midfielder Matt Heath headed home for The U's after a goalmouth scramble in which the Gills blocked several efforts in an attempt to make up for being unable to clear at the far post. Ultimately, he failed and handed Colchester the lead.

Despite the early setback, the Gills responded well and had a good chance on 13 minutes. Simeon Jackson broke through the defence and had a shot from the edge of the box, forcing U's keeper Dean Gerkan to make a full-stretch save in order to maintain Colchester's lead.

The Gills then had two more chances with free-kicks on 26 minutes and 30 minutes. Firstly, Nicky Southall hit a shot just wide of the far post following a handball on the edge of the area. Then secondly, after a free-kick routine on the edge of the box, Adam Miller hit a low effort just wide of the far post.

Gillingham then had another chance just before the interval, when Nicky Southall hit a volley just wide of the near post after being teed up by Simeon Jackson.

After dominating large parts of the first half, the Gills eased off in the second and let Colchester start the brighter, with the U's creating several half-chances. They could've taken the lead on 55 minutes when Anthony Wordsworth had a header on goal, but his effort went narrowly over the crossbar.

After seeing Colchester dominate in the second period, manager Mark Stimson decided to spice things up a bit by making a triple substitution on the hour mark. Mark McCammon made way for Gary Mulligan, Dennis Oli came in for Adam Miller, and Tyrone Berry replaced Nicky Southall.

Gillingham then had their first real chance of the second half on 65 minutes, when Colchester's Matt Heath conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box after tagging onto Simeon Jackson's shirt. John Nutter stepped up to take the free-kick, but the defender blazed his shot way over the crossbar.

Dennis Oli then had another chance for the Gills on 69 minutes, but the striker hit his low effort straight at Colchester keeper Dean Gerkan.

Colchester then had a golden opportunity to put the game to bed. On 74 minutes Kemal Izzet was sent through on goal, but debutant Alan Julian was not to concede a second as he read where the ball was going and pulled off a fantastic save to push the ball to safety and keep Gillingham in the game.

However, it was not to be for the Gills as they created little more in the final minutes, with Simeon Jackson's shot just wide on 80 minutes being the only real chance of note. With Colchester happy to play down the clock and wait for a win, Gillingham were condemned to an early exit from the Carling Cup.