Cheltenham Town 1 Gillingham 1

GILLINGHAM claimed a well-earned point at Cheltenham after playing one half with only ten men.

The Gills had to survive for the whole of the second half with a player less after Ian Cox was sent off at the end of the first 45 for two bookings.

It was a point that ended a run of three straight defeats for Gillingham but they had to battle hard for it.

Things had started well for Gillingham, as they took the lead after just six minutes, when Matt Jarvis cut into the box and squared for Savage, who couldn’t miss from two yards, scoring with a tap-in.

Within 11 minutes Cheltenham had levelled when JJ Melligan struck an unstoppable free-kick through the wall and past keeper Dean Brill.

Scott Brown nearly added a second minutes later but his point-blank shot was saved by Brill as Gillingham’s defence was opened up.

At the other end Jarvis was continuing to cause the home side problems with his pace as the first half saw chances being created at both ends.

Cheltenham keeper Shane Higgs needed to be in top form to keep Gillingham out, with quality saves from Michael Flynn and Andrew Crofts.

In first half injury time Gillingham were dealt a massive blow when Ian Cox received a red card – his second in four games.

It was one foul too many for Cox that cost him. His first caution had come after 16 minutes, a foul which led to Melligan scoring and after two subsequent infringements; the referee lost patience and sent him off.

Gillingham tightened up in the second half and there was less of the free-flowing action that had graced the opening 45 minutes.

With defender Leon Johnson on for striker Bas Savage at the break it was clear that Gillingham would be content for the point.

Cheltenham offered little going forward in the early stages, with Brill making a save from John Finnigan, in an otherwise quiet start to the half.

For Gillingham, Easton had a long range effort saved low down by Higgs, as the visitors showed no signs of being a man down.

Cheltenham came close with a header from Paul Connor with nine minutes remaining, but Brill was equal to it, as he tipped the shot over one handed and he also turned over a good effort from Melligan.

Gillingham battled to the final whistle and after Cox’s dismissal they left Whaddon Road happy with the point.

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Gillingham: Brill, Clohessy, Chorley, Cox (sent off 45), Bentley, Crofts, Flynn, Jarvis, Mulligan, Savage (Johnson h-t).
Subs Not Used: Jackman, Spiller, Collin, Ndumbu-Nsungu.