By Jack Nolan
December 27 2006

Gills comeback from one goal down at half time to steal all three points after a dramatic second half. Gillingham were unfortunate to go in at half time a goal down, but were woeful at the start of the second but a sending off, an own goal and a penalty won all three points.

Gillingham v Leyton Orient
26th December 2006


Gillingham went behind ten minutes shy of the interval when Orient went on the counter attack and James Walkers curled a neat shot into the Gillingham goal.

The key moment though came when Luke Guttridge brought down Gary Mulligan just outside the box and saw his second yellow of the game meaning a red. Guttride was in no rush to leave the pitch however much to the anger of the Gills crowsd.

The Gills got a bit of luck with the equaliser however when Andrew Crofts' shot hit Bas Savage and then Brian Saah into the net - Saah being credited with the goal.

Gillingham then grabbed the winner when Matt Jarvis was needlessly brought down in the box, and subsitute Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu cooly converted to fire the Gills into a two one lead.

The final whislte was welcomed by the impressive boxing day crowd at Priestfield of 8,216.


Views

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Ronnie Jepson

"It was a good three points against a side who have been on a bit of a roll. Leyton Orient won their last two away games and we had them watched against Crewe on Saturday and by all accounts, they should have won that. We knew that we were playing a team in form. I think that is the first time where we have gone in a goal down at half-time and I haven't been disappointed as I thought our first-half performance was excellent, with the exception of putting the ball into the back of the net. We got numerous balls into their box and in the end, I lost count. They just didn't drop for us though and then they have gone down the other end and it was a good bit of skill and a great finish from their lad to put it into the top corner.

"I asked the boys at half-time to show a bit of character, just keep it going and keep believing in what they were doing, and to be fair, they did that. I've also got to give Orient credit as they made it difficult for us. They didn't give much space to us in behind and they sat deep. On the right-hand side, it was like they had two right-backs up against Matty Jarvis, which enabled Clint Easton to get plenty of balls into the box. We knew exactly what Orient would do in the first 15 minutes of the second half and I understand them doing that away from home. They slowed it down by putting the balls into our channels and getting throw-ins. The lads didn't get frustrated with it and we stuck at it and got another three points on the board.

"The important thing is to win your games at home in this league. A lot of managers are thinking why can't they win away when they are doing similar things so well at home. It is very important for us to get points at Priestfield. We are doing that and it is good. When teams come here, see our record, they don't make it easy for you. Teams are not going to come here, roll over and let you play. You have to earn that right at times. Even though we went 1-0 down, we kept on trying to do the right things. I think people could tell by the crowds reaction at half time that they were quite happy with the performance other than the Orient goal. I told the boys that at half-time and they stuck at it.

"The commitment was fantastic today, even when things weren't going our way and it was getting a bit frustrating. From one to eleven, they dug in there. Some players didn't have the best of games but I know they give me 110 per cent. Like I said to them, we know we have certain deficiencies and are not Manchester United or Chelsea, but when they have given me everything what they have in the last two games, then I am happy with that."

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Bas Savage

"I am delighted to be back out there and playing again. I have started two games and am feeling good. The team has showed a lot of character, both to come back from a goal down against Leyton Orient and to come back from two-nil down against Tranmere on Saturday.

We started the game well. We spoke about our start before the game and said let's go at them for the first 20 minutes. We dominated the first-half, had a few chances but they didn't go our way and they have gone straight up the other end and scored.

"I am not too sure what happened with the goal as everything happened so quickly. It may have come off the top of my arm as it went in my direction and then in. All I was thinking about was getting the ball out of the back of the net so we could have a go for a second goal. We'll have to look at the replay but 'Crofty' wants it and one of their defenders was in there so we'll have to see.

"It was nice to be included but first and foremost, I am glad that we won. We had a bad start with us being two-nil down after the opening few minutes. All the boys showed some fight and some character. Whatever happens after that, it is a bonus for the team.

"Gary Mulligan is a good player. I have seen him in training and he works hard. 'Mullers' is getting his goals now so it says a lot for his credibility. He is a good striker, who works hard. We'll just keep working hard, go out there and win the battle and the rest will follow with the ability showing later."