By Jack Nolan
April 26 2008
Gillingham still retain faint hope of survival in League One despite a late equaliser by Hasney Aljofree for Swindon, thanks to Oldham’s last minute winner of Cheltenham. Bournemouth’s victory over Crewe means they go above Gillingham and leaves Gills needing to go to Elland Road needing to win hoping their relegation rivals lose.
The Gills faced Swindon Town in a grudge-match that Gillingham needed to win, otherwise faced relegation based on Cheltenham’s and Millwall’s scores.
Gary Mulligan made a return to the Gillingham starting eleven, whilst Gary Lewis retained his place in midfield after an impressive performance against Bristol Rovers.
Gillingham got off to a dream start when after just a minute of playing The Gills were awarded a freekick, and defender Garry Richards latched onto Nicky Southall’s free kick to send The Gills into ecstasy.
Simon King came close to doubling The Gills’ advantage when his 18th minute header went over the bar.
Gary Mulligan returning to the Gillingham starting line-up then thought he should have been awarded a penalty as did most Gills fans, however referee Stuart Atwell instead gave a free kick on the edge of the penalty box. Nicky Southall’s effort from the free kick was easily saved by Swindon ‘keeper Petr Brezovan.
The Gills wasted several more chances but were then severely punished by Swindon for sitting back late on.
Swindon Town skipper Hasney Aljofree latched onto Morrison’s flick on from a late corner to deny Gillingham a crucial victory.
The draw now means that Gillingham have to go to Elland Road and win and hope Cheltenham land at home to Doncaster Rovers at Whaddon Road. Also The Gills will need Bournemouth’s six game winning run comes to an end at Carlisle who went above Gillingham today after their victory at home to Crewe Alexandra. Millwall are now safe thanks to their win over Carlisle.
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