#bristolrovers

[britishsportinglegends]

Nigel Martyn.

[fan-of-mulligan]

FOM BLOG: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-2 GILLINGHAM

My Thoughts On Bristol Rovers V Gillingham…….

The Memorial Stadium has been a good football stadium for Gillingham to travel to in recent season’s, Gillingham drew 1-1 against Bristol Rovers In The 2019 / 2020 Season With Tom O’Connor scoring a late equaliser, Gillingham won 2-1 against Bristol Rovers in The 2018 / 2019 Season, With Elliott List and Callum Reilly getting themselves on the score-sheet, Callum Reilly then got sent off and Liam Sercombe scored a sensational free kick for Bristol Rovers to half the deficit and Gillingham had to survive eight minutes of additional time to held on for three valuable points, and the final away game of The 2017 / 2018 Season saw Elliott List score a stoppage time equaliser which saw Gillingham retain there League One Status, And although Gillingham have drawn two of our three visit’s to Bristol Rovers, Gillingham really can do with picking up all three points against Bristol Rovers to start opening up a gap between ourselves and The League One Relegation Zone.

I thought Bristol Rovers were going to be dark horses to challenge for A League One Playoff Place This Season, Ben Garner had signed the likes of Jack Baldwin, Zain Westbrooke, Josh Grant, Ben Liddle, Ali Koiki, Erhun Oztumer, and of course, Max Ehmer and Brandon Hanlan, two players we were hoping to see extend there stay at Gillingham Football Club, Bristol Rovers paid substantial compensation to sign Brandon Hanlan, where as Max Ehmer wanted the security of a two year contract because Gillingham were unable to offer contracts to players because of the uncertainty regarding when The 2020 / 2021 Season was going to start, However, despite recruiting plenty of high profile players, a disappointing start to the season has seen Ben Garner replaced by Paul Tisdale, And Paul Tisdale will have the challenge of trying to keep Bristol Rovers in League One first and full-most and looking to implement his own idea’s which will of course take time.

And both teams come into this fixture off the back of contrasting FA Cup Results, Bristol Rovers won 6-0 against Darlington and Gillingham lost 3-2 against Exeter City, And Bristol Rovers will play against Sheffield United At The Memorial Stadium In The FA Cup Third Round, A Match which will surely be televised and had supporters been able to go to this match in normal circumstances, then this match would have completely sold out, even in normal league matches, Bristol Rovers would be getting 6,000 - 7,000 attendances inside The Memorial Stadium.

But the one thing we want to see from Gillingham in this match is a response, the performance can be as disappointing as it was against Crewe Alexandra, But if Gillingham have to smash and grab this match to win 1-0, then I will take that scenario any day of the week, Because a win for Bristol Rovers will see them close the gap on Gillingham to just one point and we’re are looking over our shoulder at the relegation zone, If Gillingham win, then Gillingham increase the gap to seven points and we will have seen a response from Gillingham after that disappointing FA Cup Second Round Defeat Against Exeter City.

Eventually, Gillingham’s Team News Was Announced On Social Media, And Gillingham Lined Up As Follows,,,,,,, Jack Bonham, Ryan Jackson, Jack Tucker, Connor Ogilvie, Tom O’Connor, Robbie McKenzie, Scott Robertson, Kyle Dempsey, Dominic Samuel, John Akinde, Vadaine Oliver Substitutes: Joe Walsh (GK), Declan Drysdale, Josh Eccles, Henry Woods, Matty Willock, Alex MacDonald and Trae Coyle - Tom O’Connor returns to the starting line up having missed the last few matches having picked up an injury whilst on International Duty With The Republic Of Ireland U21’s, But the big news has to be John Akinde, Dominic Samuel and Vadaine Oliver all starting alongside each other in attack, now lining up with three strikers up-front away from home is very adventurous, I did wonder if Gillingham were lining up with three strikers because Bristol Rovers have normally lined up with three centre back’s and Gillingham are looking to match up three verses three in what will be a very interesting battle between John Akinde, Vadaine Oliver and Dominic Samuel verses Max Ehmer, Jack Baldwin and Ed Upson ???

I had I Follow all set up ready and waiting for kick off, and at least this match kicks off at 7PM, And I think the inconsistencies regarding kick off times for mid-week matches has been infuriating, 5.30PM, 6PM, 6.30PM And 7PM, And if your A Season Ticket Holder who has paid for there Season Ticket and you cannot watch the mid-week matches that kick off at 5.30PM or 6PM, then your not going to be pleased with the home games that you are unable to watch because of kick off times constantly being changed for mid-week matches, I can understand the reasoning as to why Gillingham are kicking off at 1PM on A Saturday Afternoon instead of kicking off at 3PM, but mid-week matches have been kicked off at different times and there seems to be less of a understanding on why this is the case.

Both teams were out on to the pitch ready and waiting for kick off inside The Memorial Stadium, Hopefully, Gillingham can put the disappointing 3-2 defeat against Exeter City behind us by responding with a win against Bristol Rovers, and a win which would move Gillingham up The League One Table and further away from the relegation zone - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!

FIRST HALF:

And the first noteworthy moment of the match see’s Josh Grant header the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw On right on the halfway line in-between both managerial dugouts, and it is from this throw on where Gillingham manage to win themselves the first corner kick of the match, Ryan Jackson throws the ball long down the line and Luke Leahy wins the initial aerial challenge and Robbie McKenzie wins the second aerial challenge to header the ball forwards, and although Luke McCormick wins the third aerial challenge, The Bristol Rovers Midfielder can only header the ball straight into Scott Robertson’s Path, And Scott Robertson gets the ball under control before looking to pick out Vadaine Oliver with a threaded through-ball, But Jack Baldwin had tracked back and kicked the ball out of play for A Gillingham Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Scott Robertson whips in a low cross towards the near post which wasn’t the best cross it has to be said, But Josh Grant has headed the ball out of play for another Gillingham Corner Kick, And Scott Robertson can try again at the second attempt, and from the second corner kick, Scott Robertson whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the near post and Connor Ogilvie’s looping header goes well over the crossbar and out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

As for how Gillingham are lining up in this match, Jack Bonham, Ryan Jackson, Jack Tucker, Connor Ogilvie and Tom O’Connor are Gillingham’s Back Five, Robbie McKenzie is playing in the central defensive midfielder role, Scott Robertson and Kyle Dempsey are lining up alongside each other in central midfield with Dominic Samuel playing in The Central Attacking Midfielder Role, And John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver are playing alongside each other in attack, Gillingham have switched to A 4-4-2 Diamond Midfield Formation, and this switch coincides with Jordan Graham being unavailable because of injury, The diamond midfield formation was the backbone of Gillingham’s success in The 2019 / 2020 Season, can the diamond help Gillingham to pick up all three points against Bristol Rovers at The Memorial Stadium ??? - Only time will tell.

Three Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham have a throw on down the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Half Of The Pitch, And From The Resulting Throw On, Ryan Jackson throws the ball short to Robbie McKenzie, who takes a few touches in possession of the ball, And Robbie McKenzie’s threaded pass through to John Akinde is over-hit and runs all the way through to Anssi Jaakkola In The Bristol Rovers Goal, Vadaine Oliver is then penalised for his challenge on Luke McCormick on the halfway line and Bristol Rovers have been awarded a free kick, and from the resulting free kick, Bristol Rovers pass the ball across there back four from right to left, And Luke Leahy has possession of the ball down the left side of the pitch, And Luke Leahy’s long ball down-field towards Brandon Hanlan is to long and runs all the way through to Jack Bonham, and from here, Gillingham were looking to cause Bristol Rovers a few problems defensively as Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde looks to try and flick the ball on towards Dominic Samuel, But Luke Leahy shields the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

Five Minutes Into The Match, And Dominic Samuel’s cross from the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third is blocked by Luke Leahy and the ball deflects out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, And From The Resulting Throw On, Gillingham create a half chance to try and open the scoring, Ryan Jackson throws the ball short to John Akinde, who manages to retain possession of the ball before passing the ball back out-wide to Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver’s glancing header was going wide of the far left post and Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola gathers the ball with ease, But despite that half chance not creating a meaningful goal-scoring opportunity, Gillingham were looking to open the scoring in the next passage of play, Anssi Jaakkola rolls the ball out-wide to Josh Hare, who was pressured by Scott Robertson to kick the ball long down-field and the ball runs through to Jack Bonham, who kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde wins the aerial battle to flick the ball on towards Vadaine Oliver, who’s first time shot towards goal clears Bristol Rovers crossbar by some considerable distance - Although, It has to be mentioned that I thought the last touch had come off Josh Hare and Gillingham should have been awarded a corner kick.

Eleven Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham create a very good opportunity to try and open the scoring, Ed Upson’s pass forwards towards Sam Nicholson on the centre circle is intercepted by Robbie McKenzie, And Robbie McKenzie runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball square to Dominic Samuel, And Dominic Samuel takes one touch to control the ball and another touch to thread a pass through to Robbie McKenzie, who had continued his run forwards inside Bristol Rovers’s Penalty Area down the right side of the pitch, And Robbie McKenzie whips in a dangerous cross first time across the face of goal and John Akinde cannot make any contact on the ball and the chance had gone for The Gills, However, Bristol Rovers turned defence into attack because Josh Grant passes the ball centrally to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson passes the ball out-wide to Erhun Oztumer down the left side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Half, And Erhun Oztumer runs into a more central position on the pitch in possession of the ball before picking out Luke McCormick with a cross-field pass, And Luke McCormick gets the ball under control before passing the ball through to Luke Leahy on the over-lap, And Luke Leahy passes the ball back to Luke McCormick, who passes the ball back to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson passes the ball back to Jack Baldwin, And Jack Baldwin takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball forwards to Erhun Oztumer, And Erhun Oztumer takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Luke McCormick, And Luke McCormick kicks the ball towards Brandon Hanlan on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Brandon Hanlan lays the ball off to Sam Nicholson, who runs forwards in possession of the ball inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Sam Nicholson fires his effort towards goal across the face of goal and Sam Nicholson’s shot flashes across the face of goal and wide of the far right corner of the net with Jack Bonham diving at full stretch - Gillingham and Bristol Rovers have both created clear cut goal-scoring opportunities at either end of the pitch, But Sam Nicholson’s chance was the better of the two chances.

Thirteen Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham created a decent opportunity to open the scoring, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde brings the ball under control with his chest before passing the ball square to Kyle Dempsey down the right side of the pitch, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball back to Ryan Jackson, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down-field and Scott Robertson wins the first aerial challenge and Jack Baldwin wins the second aerial challenge to header the ball clear and away from danger and Erhun Oztumer passes the ball back to Luke Leahy, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down the line towards Brandon Hanlan, who manages to retain possession of the ball despite pressure from Jack Tucker, But Ryan Jackson challenges Brandon Hanlan and pokes the ball back to Jack Tucker, who takes a touch to control the ball and kick the ball long down-field, and Vadaine Oliver wins the aerial challenge to flick the ball on towards Dominic Samuel, And Max Ehmer’s defensive header hits Dominic Samuel, and the ball deflects into John Akinde’s Path, And John Akinde see’s his initial shot towards goal blocked by Max Ehmer and the ball ricochets back to John Akinde, And John Akinde see’s his second shot towards goal blocked by Josh Hare and still John Akinde has possession of the ball for The Gills, And John Akinde passes the ball back to Kyle Dempsey on the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey works his way into a shooting position before curling a low shot centrally towards goal which was comfortable for Anssi Jaakkola to save in goal for Bristol Rovers.

Fifteen Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers were looking to make the breakthrough, Josh Hare has possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch just in Gillingham’s Half Of The Pitch, And Josh Hare passes the ball inside centrally to Ed Upson, Who gets the ball under control and passes the ball out-wide to Josh Hare, And Josh Hare passes the ball forwards towards Josh Grant, who passes the ball back to Ed Upson, who takes a few touches in possession of the ball, And Ed Upson passes the ball forwards towards Erhun Oztumer, who plays a first time pass through to Sam Nicholson, And Sam Nicholson is through on goal inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Sam Nicholson’s shot towards goal takes a deflection off Connor Ogilvie and the ball goes wide of the near post and out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick - And Sam Nicholson came very close to opening the scoring for Bristol Rovers There - And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and the ball ricochets off Vadaine Oliver and Robbie McKenzie just boots the ball clear and away from danger, and Ed Upson headers the ball square to Josh Hare, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking a diagonal cross-field cross towards Max Ehmer, who headers the ball down towards Sam Nicholson inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Sam Nicholson gets the ball under control before laying the ball off to Luke McCormick, And Luke McCormick’s low shot towards goal is routinely saved by Jack Bonham In The Gillingham Goal.

And In The Seventeenth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham had a half chance to try and open the scoring, Gillingham have a throw on down the right side of the pitch just inside Bristol Rovers Half Of The Pitch, And Ryan Jackson throws the ball long down the line and Vadaine Oliver wins the initial aerial challenge and Ed Upson headers the ball partially clear and away from danger, However, Kyle Dempsey wins the fifty / fifty challenge and the ball ricochets into Dominic Samuel’s Path, And Dominic Samuel manages to pick out Tom O’Connor down the left side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And Tom O’Connor takes a touch to control the ball and another touch to whip in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and John Akinde’s low pull-back across the face of goal hits Jack Baldwin and Anssi Jaakkola dives on to the loose ball for Bristol Rovers, John Akinde, Dominic Samuel and Scott Robertson were all appealing for a penalty kick for Gillingham, and those penalty appeals were waved away, and also, I don’t think it was a penalty kick for Gillingham, The Penalty Kick John Akinde got against Charlton Athletic may have looked soft, But John Akinde was clearly tripped inside the penalty area in that match, this penalty appeal however isn’t a controversial decision and I don’t see anything in that to suggest it was a penalty for Gillingham.

But from here, Bristol Rovers were looking to open the scoring as Anssi Jaakkola kicks the ball long down-field and Jack Tucker wins the initial aerial challenge and Erhun Oztumer manages to pick out Sam Nicholson with a first time pass down the line and Sam Nicholson is through on goal down the left side of the penalty area - Gillingham’s Right - And Tom O’Connor is sticking with Sam Nicholson, However, Sam Nicholson cuts inside, inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area before skilfully evading the challenge from Tom O’Connor, And Sam Nicholson has fired his shot towards goal over the crossbar at the near post - AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR BRISTOL ROVERS TO OPEN THE SCORING!!!!!!

And In The Twenty Second Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers had the chance to open the scoring again, Josh Hare has possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch, And Josh Hare passes the ball square to Josh Grant, who passes the ball square to Erhun Oztumer, And Erhun Oztumer takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball forwards towards Sam Nicholson, who plays a return pass back into Erhun Oztumer’s Path, And Erhun Oztumer passes the ball out-wide to Luke Leahy down the left side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Luke Leahy fires in a low dangerous cross and Brandon Hanlan cannot get the ball under control and the loose ball almost falls kindly into Sam Nicholson’s Path but Tom O’Connor manages to header the ball partially clear and away from danger, however, Luke McCormick has scuffed his first time effort towards goal wide of the far left post - But Bristol Rovers are just starting to ask more questions of Gillingham defensively at this moment in time.

Twenty Four Minutes Into The Match, And Tom O’Connor’s in-swinging cross is charged down by Josh Hare at the expense of conceding a throw on for Gillingham in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Gillingham created a decent goal-scoring opportunity, Connor Ogilvie hurls in a long dangerous throw and Josh Hare can only header the ball clear towards the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area and Dominic Samuel’s first time volleyed effort towards goal was heading towards the bottom right corner of the net and Anssi Jaakkola had to dive low quickly to save and then gather the ball at the second attempt to preserve the 0-0 score-line - And Dominic Samuel was so unlucky not to open the scoring for Gillingham There.

Bute despite almost taking the lead with that chance from Dominic Samuel, Bristol Rovers almost opened the scoring with the next passage of play, Anssi Jaakkola kicks the ball long down-field and Jack Tucker wins the aerial challenge up against Brandon Hanlan, however, Luke McCormick is on to the second ball, And Luke McCormick passes the ball forwards to Sam Nicholson, Who looks to turn into a more central position just outside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, But Sam Nicholson turns back on himself, and this creates some space for Sam Nicholson to unleash a fiercely driven effort just wide of the far left post, And Sam Nicholson has been the player to watch out for the home side, Because Sam Nicholson has already had a few efforts on goal which have fortunately failed to hit the back of the net.

But the next passage of play does see Gillingham stick the ball into the back of the net and open the scoring in this competitive League One Fixture, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and Jack Baldwin wins the initial aerial challenge up against Vadaine Oliver and Ryan Jackson wins the aerial challenge up against Brandon Hanlan and Kyle Dempsey flicks the ball on towards Scott Robertson, who manages to hook the ball over his shoulder and pick out Dominic Samuel with a unorthodox pass, And Dominic Samuel flicks the ball on towards Vadaine Oliver and Vadaine Oliver’s attempted pass through to John Akinde is blocked by Max Ehmer and Luke Leahy passes the ball forwards towards Luke McCormick, And Luke McCormick passes the ball back towards Jack Baldwin, And Jack Baldwin passes the ball out-wide to Luke Leahy, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down the line and Brandon Hanlan manages to retain possession of the ball momentarily when protecting the ball between himself and Jack Tucker, But Ryan Jackson manages to regain possession of the ball for The Gills before passing the ball back towards Jack Tucker, And Jack Tucker has kicked the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver manages to get on to the end of Jack Tucker’s long pass and Vadaine Oliver has the strength to get to the ball ahead of Max Ehmer and Vadaine Oliver shows great composure to chip the ball past Anssi Jaakkola with a neat first time finish and Gillingham have taken the lead at The Memorial Stadium - BRISTOL ROVERS 0-1 GILLINGHAM.

When Gillingham drew 1-1 against Charlton Athletic at Priestfield Stadium, I was talking about Vadaine Oliver’s one on one effort being saved by Ben Amos and big moments in matches can change football matches one way or the other, and in that match, If Vadaine Oliver scored for 2-0, then Gillingham would have been in a fantastic position to pick up all three points, But this goal from Vadaine Oliver against Bristol Rovers is a big goal in a big moment, Because Gillingham have taken the lead against A Bristol Rovers Side who can move to just one point behind The Gills if they can win against Gillingham, But a win for Gillingham will move Gillingham seven points clear of Bristol Rovers, this goal wasn’t a thirty yard screamer, it wasn’t a over-head kick, But this is a very important goal that Vadaine Oliver has scored to give Gillingham the lead against Bristol Rovers.

Twenty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Luke McCormick is penalised for fouling Ryan Jackson, and from the resulting free kick, Gillingham had the chance to go 2-0 up, Kyle Dempsey whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and John Akinde’s first time effort towards goal clears Bristol Rovers Crossbar and the ball goes out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick - Very difficult technique for John Akinde to get that effort on goal on target, But 2-0 would have put Gillingham in a strong position to pick up all three points.

Twenty Nine Minutes Into The Match, And Jack Baldwin is penalised for his challenge on Dominic Samuel right on the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area down the right side of the pitch, and from the resulting free kick, Kyle Denpsey whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Max Ehmer headers the ball partially clear and away from goal and Sam Nicholson smashes the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, Which See’s Tom O’Connor throw the ball long down the line and Vadaine Oliver wins the initial aerial challenge and Max Ehmer boots the ball clear and Tom O’Connor headers the ball forwards towards Vadaine Oliver, who flicks the ball on towards John Akinde, And John Akinde manages to retain possession of the ball before passing the ball short to Vadaine Oliver, who passes the ball out-wide to Dominic Samuel down the left side of the pitch, And Dominic Samuel manages to pick out Kyle Dempsey with a pass towards the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball back short to Robbie McKenzie, And Robbie McKenzie manages to pick out Ryan Jackson with a pass out-wide down the right side of the pitch, And Ryan Jackson waits for passing options before managing to pick out Robbie McKenzie with a pass on the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, And Robbie McKenzie’s first time curling effort towards goal goes just wide of the far left post, AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO GO 2-0 UP!!!!! - Difficult to say if Anssi Jaakkola had that effort on goal covered because The Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper had dived at full stretch, But that was a sensational strike from Robbie McKenzie though.

Thirty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers manage to win themselves a corner kick, Luke Leahy has possession of the ball down the left side of the pitch, And Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards Brandon Hanlan and Jack Tucker has to header the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver headers the ball partially clear and away from danger and Erhun Oztumer is first to the loose ball on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Erhun Oztumer passes the ball short to Luke McCormick and Scott Robertson has put in a very strong robust challenge on The Bristol Rovers Midfielder and the ball ricochets towards Erhun Oztumer, who runs out-wide down the left side of the pitch in possession of the ball before passing the ball short to Jack Baldwin, who gets the ball under control before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Connor Ogilvie manages to header the ball clear and away from goal momentarily, however, Ed Upson is on to the loose ball and Ed Upson passes the ball out-wide to Josh Grant, who passes the ball back to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson tries to pick out Brandon Hanlan with a lofted crosses inside Gillingham’s Penalty Areas But Jack Tucker was in the right place at the right time to kick the ball clear and away from danger, And once there was a stoppage in play because John Akinde was penalised for his foul on Luke McCormick In Bristol Rovers Final Third, There was a stoppage in play because Luke McCormick requires some treatment from the physio’s, and after getting some treatment, Luke McCormick is back on his feat again and Bristol Rovers may well hope that Luke McCormick can get through to half time before getting properly assessed at the break.

In The Thirty Ninth Minute Of The Match, Ryan Jackson runs down the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And Ryan Jackson’s cross is charged down by Jack Baldwin at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Gillingham had the chance to double there lead to 2-0, Kyle Dempsey whips in a high and hanging corner kick towards the back-stick and Vadaine Oliver has headed the ball wide of the far left post and I thought the ball had gone out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal Kick, However, Referee Scott Oldham has awarded a corner kick to Gillingham (maybe the final touch came off Jack Baldwin perhaps ???) and it is from this corner kick where Gillingham almost scored for 2-0, Kyle Dempsey passes the ball short to Scott Robertson, who gets the ball under control before playing a return pass back towards Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey curls a cross / shot towards goal from the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area and Kyle Dempsey’s cross / shot towards goal curls just wide of the far right post, and if that cross / shot from Kyle Dempsey was on target then Gillingham would have scored for 2-0 - A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR GILLINGHAM TO SCORE - Also, any touch off Upson, Grant or Baldwin would have seen one of those three players for Bristol Rovers inadvertently divert the ball into the back of there own net because the penalty area was so crowded that any touch on the ball would have been enough for Gillingham to double there lead.

Forty One Minutes Into The Match, And Luke McCormick tries to pick out Brandon Hanlan with a long kick down-field, And Luke McCormick’s long kick towards Brandon Hanlan is too long and the ball runs through to Jack Bonham just inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And In The Forty Third Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers were pushing for the equaliser, Because Sam Nicholson has possession of the ball roughly twenty five yards from goal, And Sam Nicholson manages to pick out Josh Hare with a threaded pass down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Josh Hare has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross first time and Connor Ogilvie has to header the ball over his own crossbar at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the near post and Josh Grant has flicked the ball across Gillingham’s Penalty Area And Robbie McKenzie has smashed the ball clear and away from danger - anywhere will do as far as Gillingham are concerned.

And In The Forty Fifth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham had the chance to go 2-0 up, Ryan Jackson manages to pick out Vadaine Oliver with a long ball down-field and Vadaine Oliver gets to the ball down the right side of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, And Vadaine Oliver manages to keep the ball in play by hooking the ball across Bristol Rovers Penalty Area and John Akinde’s shot towards goal is blocked by Max Ehmer and Anssi Jaakkola dives on to the loose ball and was able to gather the ball at the second attempt - And John Akinde had a half chance there to double Gillingham’s lead to 2-0 just before half time.

And just as we are into first half stoppage time, Bristol Rovers were looking to score the equaliser before the half time interval, Josh Hare see’s his low cross across the six yard box cleared out of play by Connor Ogilvie for A Bristol Rovers Throw On In Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Josh Hare throws the ball short to Erhun Oztumer, who passes the ball back out-wide to Josh Hare, And Josh Hare fires in a fantastic low cross and Jack Tucker and Brandon Hanlan both compete for the ball at the near post and Jack Tucker has headed the ball up into the air and Jack Bonham claims the loose ball to relieve the pressure building on to Gillingham’s Goal, and the final noteworthy moment of the first half see’s John Akinde charged down Luke Leahy’s attempted clearance out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, and after two minutes of stoppage time, Referee Scott Oldham blows his whistle for half time.

HALF TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-1 GILLINGHAM

I uploaded the following comments on to Social Media At Half Time,,,,,, HALF TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-1 GILLINGHAM - Vadaine Oliver's goal is the difference between both teams at half time, But Gillingham have created plenty of opportunities to add to the score-line, Ogilvie has headed over from Robertson's cross, Dempsey's cross / shot just goes wide. Dominic Samuel and Kyle Dempsey have forced Jaakkola to make important saves in goal for Bristol Rovers, Robbie McKenzie has curled one effort towards goal which goes just wide of the far left post, Akinde & Oliver up top allow Gillingham to win the physical battle in this match. But despite how impressive Gillingham have been in the first half, Bristol Rovers have had chances to score, Nicholson fires an effort narrowly wide, Nicholson has curled one effort towards goal just wide, McCormick has had an effort on goal just go wide of the far post as well. Gillingham deserve to be winning on balance of play in the first half, just a real shame that Gillingham have not extended there lead because Bristol Rovers will get opportunities to score in the second half, next goal in this match is huge, Hopefully Gillingham get a second goal.

And Gillingham switching to a diamond midfield formation with John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver up-front and Dominic Samuel playing in the central attacking midfielder role has worked (so far) John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver are winning the aerial battle up against Max Ehmer and Jack Baldwin, And Dominic Samuel is finding those pockets of space in various area’s on the pitch to cause Bristol Rovers problems and Dominic Samuel has seen his shot towards goal saved by Anssi Jaakkola, And Bristol Rovers are struggling to cope with the physicality from Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde, and at the same-time, Bristol Rovers do not have the physicality up-front because Brandon Hanlan is lining up as a lone striker.

But even though Brandon Hanlan is lining up as a lone striker,  Erhun Oztumer is a quality player in midfield and he is capable of creating something out of nothing, Sam Nicholson has caused Gillingham plenty of problems defensively and you can see Paul Tisdale looking to do something to try and get Bristol Rovers back into this match, because you cannot see Bristol Rovers not testing Jack Bonham in-between the sticks and there is still plenty of time remaining in this match for Bristol Rovers to get a point, or turn this match on it’s head to pick up all three points, hopefully, Gillingham can score the all important second goal at some point in the second half which would put Gillingham in a very strong position to pick up all three points - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!

SECOND HALF:

And right at the start of the second half, Bristol Rovers do make a change because Alfie Kilgour comes on to replace Luke McCormick (A Substitution which I failed to spot initially) And I guess with Luke McCormick picking up that knock in the first half that Paul Tisdale is taking no chances and The Bristol Rovers Manger is not only making sure that Luke McCormick doesn’t pick up a serious injury, But also, Defender Alfie Kilgour comes on to line up alongside Max Ehmer and Jack Baldwin in a back three, as Bristol Rovers look to try and deal with the physicality from Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde.

Gillingham have not made any changes at the start of the second half, But Gillingham did create the first noteworthy attack, Bristol Rovers have a throw on down the right side of the pitch in there own final third, And Max Ehmer throws the ball back to Alfie Kilgour, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Alfie Kilgour passes the ball forwards to Ed Upson, who takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball square to Josh Grant, who allows the ball to run through to Josh Hare on the byline, And Josh Hare takes a touch to control the ball before clipping the ball down the line towards Brandon Hanlan, who gets the ball under control and Tom O’Connor intercepts the ball and the ball ricochets towards Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control and passes the ball forwards to Dominic Samuel, And Dominic Samuel is looking around for passing options before managing to pick out Vadaine Oliver with a superb pass over the top down the right side of the pitch just outside Bristol Rovers Penalty Area - Bristol Rovers Left - And Vadaine Oliver takes a touch to control the ball and Vadaine Oliver whips a cross / shot across the face of goal, And Vadaine Oliver’s cross / shot doesn’t pick out John Akinde at the far post and doesn’t hit the target and the ball goes out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

Forty Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Scott Robertson is penalised for a high foot on Luke Leahy from Robbie McKenzie’s Pass, and from here, Bristol Rovers create a half decent goal-scoring opportunity, Alfie Kilgour passes the ball short to Luke Leahy and Luke Leahy passes the ball inside centrally to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball back out-wide to Luke Leahy, And Luke Leahy kicks the ball long down-field towards Brandon Hanlan on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Brandon Hanlan chests the ball down towards Sam Nicholson and Tom O’Connor boots the ball clear and away from danger and Jack Baldwin headers the ball square to Max Ehmer, And Max Ehmer passes the ball out-wide to Josh Hare, And Josh Hare passes the ball inside to Josh Grant, And Josh Grant runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Josh Hare down the right side of the pitch, And Josh Hare takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post, And Luke Leahy hooks the ball back across the face of goal and Connor Ogilvie headers the ball partially clear and away from danger and Ed Upson gets the ball under control on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Ed Upson threads a pass through towards the byline and Josh Hare’s first time cross is low towards the near post, And Jack Bonham saves and then gathers the ball at the second attempt.

And from here, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver does really well to not only win the aerial challenge, but to also keep the ball in play down the right side of the pitch, And Vadaine Oliver passes the ball back to Kyle Dempsey, who takes a touch to control the ball, And Kyle Dempsey takes a few touches in possession of the ball before whipping in a dangerous low in-swinging cross towards the near post and Jack Baldwin kicks the ball partially clear and away from goal and Erhun Oztumer lays the ball off to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson kicks the ball long down-field and Brandon Hanlan manages to header the ball back towards Sam Nicholson, who manages to retain possession of the ball, looking to be heading towards the left wing before turning back into a more central position on the pitch, And Sam Nicholson manages to pick out Josh Hare with a quality cross-field pass, And Josh Hare manages to get the ball under control before passing the ball inside to Max Ehmer, who runs towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area in possession of the ball, And Max Ehmer lays the ball off to Erhun Oztumer, who takes a touch to control the ball before pretending to shoot, shift the ball on to his left foot, and then Erhun Oztumer, quickly shifts the ball on to his right foot, And Erhun Oztumer has whipped a curling effort towards the far left side of the goal and Jack Bonham had to dive at full stretch to his right to parry the ball wide and away from goal and the ball goes out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick - GREAT STRIKE FROM ERHUN OZTUMER, (WHO REALLY IS A TOP QUALITY PLAYER IN LEAGUE ONE) AND THE QUALITY OF THE STRIKE FROM OZTUMER IS MATCHED BY THE SAVE FROM JACK BONHAM.

And from the resulting corner kick, Josh Hare whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Jack Baldwin has headed the ball over the crossbar from close range and the ball has gone out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick, Gillingham’s Six Yard Box was packed so any header on target from Jack Baldwin could well see Bristol Rovers score a early equaliser in the second half, and with Alfie Kilgour coming on at half time to play alongside Max Ehmer and Jack Baldwin in defence, then Bristol Rovers have got three centre back’s who can cause Gillingham problems defensively from set plays.

Fifty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Alfie Kilgour is penalised for his foul on Dominic Samuel on the halfway line, but just before that foul, Robbie McKenzie intercepted the ball from Sam Nicholson at the crucial moment and passed the ball forwards to Dominic Samuel, so well done Robbie McKenzie for that interception, and from the resulting free kick, Jack Tucker kicks a diagonal cross-field cross long down-field and although Vadaine Oliver wins the initial aerial challenge, Josh Hare was in the right place at the right time to kick the ball long down-field and Connor Ogilvie headers the ball towards Tom O’Connor on the left flank on the halfway line, And Tom O’Connor gets the ball under control before kicking the ball long down-field and Max Ehmer looks like he has put himself in-between the ball and John Akinde to shield the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, But Vadaine Oliver almost manages to kick the ball against Max Ehmer to win Gillingham A Corner Kick, but the ball does in-fact go out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, And Again, Bristol Rovers just cannot cope with the physicality from John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver.

Fifty Five Minutes Into The Match, And Connor Ogilvie is penalised for his foul on Brandon Hanlan, And Bristol Rovers have been awarded a free kick, and from the resulting free kick, Bristol Rovers came close to scoring the equaliser, Ed Upson passes the ball forwards to Josh Grant, who takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Josh Hare down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Josh Hare takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball back inside to Josh Grant, And Josh Grant takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball back to Alfie Kilgour, And Alfie Kilgour passes the ball towards Sam Nicholson a left / central area of the pitch, And Sam Nicholson takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball forwards to Brandon Hanlan, And Brandon Hanlan passes the ball back to Luke Leahy, And Luke Leahy play a one / two with Josh Grant before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross which Connor Ogilvie manages to header the ball clear towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, However, Josh Grant has possession of the ball for Bristol Rovers, And Josh Grant passes the ball short to Sam Nicholson, who takes one touch to control the ball, and another touch to get a shot off towards goal, And Sam Nicholson’s shot towards goal takes a huge deflection off Jack Tucker and the ball diverts out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick - AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR BRISTOL ROVERS TO EQUALISE!!!!!! - And from the resulting corner kick, Bristol Rovers created a half decent opportunity to level the game up at 1-1, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver headers the ball partially clear and away from danger and Erhun Oztumer gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Luke Leahy, And Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Brandon Hanlan’s glancing header bounces just wide of the far left post and Jack Bonham had dived at full stretch to ensure that Brandon Hanlan’s header was not on target and the ball goes out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick.

Fifty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had the chance to go 2-0 up, Connor Ogilvie kicks the ball long down-field and Jack Baldwin headers the ball clear and away from danger and Ryan Jackson gets the ball under control before passing the ball back to Jack Tucker, And Jack Tucker takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver flicks the ball on towards Scott Robertson, who manages to keep the ball in play and run wide away from goal and Scott Robertson passes the ball back to Tom O’Connor on the left flank, And Tom O’Connor takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Kyle Dempsey’s header towards goal loops up into the air and Anssi Jaakkola makes a comfortable save in goal for Bristol Rovers.

Gillingham were awarded a free kick in The Fifty Ninth Minute Of The Match, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Connor Ogilvie kicks the ball long down-field and Max Ehmer wins the aerial challenge up against Vadaine Oliver to header the ball partially clear and away from danger, But Tom O’Connor is first to get on to the loose ball, And Tom O’Connor goes on a driving run down the left flank in possession of the ball before whipping in a high and hanging cross towards the back-stick and Tom O’Connor’s cross is over-hit and runs out of play for A Bristol Rovers Throw On, And From The Resulting Throw, Luke Leahy throws the ball back to Jack Baldwin, who gets the ball under control and passes the ball forwards to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson passes the ball back to Jack Baldwin, And Jack Baldwin passes the ball forwards to Sam Nicholson on the halfway line, And Sam Nicholson manages to retain possession of the ball before laying the ball off to Erhun Oztumer, who plays a first time pass out-wide to Josh Hare down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Josh Hare not only manages to keep the ball in play, But Josh Hare goes on a dribbling run forwards down the right side of the pitch and continue’s his run forwards inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Josh Hare’s low cross is blocked by Scott Robertson at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver manages to header the ball partially clear and away from danger and Scott Robertson kicks the ball forwards and further away from goal, and Ed Upson is on to the loose ball and passes the ball square to Erhun Oztumer, And Erhun Oztumer takes a touch to control the ball before going in a skilful run forwards in possession of the ball, taking on Scott Robertson and Kyle Dempsey and Erhun Oztumer is challenged by Vadaine Oliver and the ball ricochets off Kyle Dempsey, And Erhun Oztumer’s shot on the turn is saved by Jack Bonham In The Gillingham Goal, And Erhun Oztumer is the one player on the pitch who is capable of creating something out of nothing, thankfully, Jack Bonham has saved Erhun Oztumer’s shot on the turn to preserve Gillingham’s 1-0 lead.

And from here, Gillingham go from almost conceding at one end of the pitch, to almost doubling there advantage to 2-0 in the next attack, Jack Bonham has kicked the ball long down-field and John Akinde flicks the ball on towards Dominic Samuel, And Dominic Samuel passes the ball forwards towards John Akinde down the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And John Akinde has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Josh Hare has headed the ball straight into Max Ehmer, and the ball ricochets back towards Vadaine Oliver, And Vadaine Oliver see’s his first time shot towards goal saved by Anssi Jaakkola at point blank range and the ball diverts out of play for A Gillingham Throw On and Anssi Jaakkola has kept Bristol Rovers in this match with a very important stop - BUT THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO GO 2-0 UP.

Sixty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers make a double substitution as Zain Walker and Ali Koiki both come on to replace Josh Hare and Luke Leahy as Bristol Rovers substitute both wing backs, And Paul Tisdale will be hoping that fresh legs in both wing back positions can help Bristol Rovers cause Gillingham problems defensively in the wide area’s, As far as any substitutions for Gillingham goes, I think Scott Robertson could be a player who gets taken off because Scott Robertson is one player who may well need protecting having been in and out of The Gillingham Side in recent weeks.

In The Sixty Eighth Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers have the chance to equalise, Erhun Oztumer has possession of the ball on the halfway line for Bristol Rovers, And Erhun Oztumer manages to retain possession of the ball before running forwards into Gillingham’s Half Of The Pitch, And Erhun Oztumer is looking around for passing options before passing the ball short to Josh Grant, And Josh Grant passes the ball out-wide to Ali Kolki, And Ali Kolki runs inside centrally in possession of the ball before passing the ball back to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson passes the ball out-wide to Josh Grant, who shrugs off the attempted challenge from Dominic Samuel, And Josh Grant runs inside into a more central position on the pitch and Josh Grant continue’s his run towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Josh Grant’s shot towards goal fails to hit the target and that was a bit of a let off for Gillingham, because it had just opened up for The Bristol Rovers Midfielder to get a shot off on goal.

Sixty Nine Minutes Into The Match, And Alfie Kilgour goes down to the deck requiring treatment for a head injury, and after getting some treatment from the physio’s, Alfie Kilgour was OK to continue playing for Bristol Rovers, But In The Seventieth Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers had the chance to equalise, Ed Upson passes the ball out-wide to Ali Kolki, And Ali Kolki keeps the ball in play before passing the ball inside towards Zain Walker, And Zain Walker passes the ball towards Ed Upson, who passes the ball forwards to Josh Grant, And Josh Grant passes the ball forwards to Erhun Oztumer, and Erhun Oztumer passes the ball short to Josh Grant, who is waiting around for passing options before laying the ball off to Erhun Oztumer, who manages to clip the ball towards Ali Kolki down the left side of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Ali Kolki cannot quite manage to get the ball under control and the ball ricochets towards Brandon Hanlan, And Connor Ogilvie times his challenge to perfection on Brandon Hanlan, and not only has Connor Ogilvie made a goal saving interception, but Brandon Hanlan is penalised for his foul on Connor Ogilvie and Gillingham have been awarded a defensive free kick - Had Ali Kolki got the ball under control then he would have surely equalised for Bristol Rovers. and that is a massive let off for The Gills.

Seventy Two Minutes Into The Match, And Jack Tucker is penalised for his fun on Josh Grant - And Bristol Rovers have been awarded a free kick right on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area - And From The Resulting Free Kick, Erhun Oztumer’s free kick towards goal hits John Akinde and the ball loops up into the air and Robbie McKenzie wins the aerial challenge and headers the ball down inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Tom O’Connor kicks the ball clear and away from danger towards the halfway line, and Dominic Samuel does exceptionally well to retain possession of the ball and wait for his team-mates to come forward to offer some support, And Dominic Samuel passes the forwards to Kyle Dempsey in Bristol Rovers Half Of The Pitch, And Kyle Dempsey retains possession of the ball and runs across towards the right side of the pitch and Kyle Dempsey passes the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson, who takes one touch to control the ball, and another touch to thread a pass down the line towards Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey whips in a dangerous low cross across the six yard box and there was Vadaine Oliver to header the ball into the back of the net for 2-0 with a diving header and there was nothing that Anssi Jaakkola could have done to prevent Vadaine Oliver from scoring his second, and Gillingham’s second goal of the match - BRISTOL ROVERS 0-2 GILLINGHAM.

But we have got to mention the quality of play from Gillingham to hit Bristol Rovers on the counter attack, Dominic Samuel retains possession of the ball and passes the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, who passes the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson plays a return pass down the line towards Kyle Dempsey, who whips in a first time cross with quality and Vadaine Oliver has scored that all important second goal to give Gillingham a two goal lead, However, Vadaine Oliver has collided with the post after scoring for The Gills and requires some treatment, thankfully, Vadaine Oliver is back on to his feat again, but with that all important second goal, Gillingham can possibly look to bring on Trae Coyle for Vadaine Oliver and Gillingham can substitute Vadaine Oliver to ensure that he is available for selection for the home game against Swindon Town On Saturday.

However, straight from the kick off, Bristol Rovers almost halved the deficit straight away, Max Ehmer passes the ball out-wide to Sam Nicholson, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Sam Nicholson threads the ball down the line towards Zain Walker, And Zain Walker takes a touch to control the ball before playing a short pass back to Sam Nicholson, And Sam Nicholson see’s his cross charged down and deflected into Zain Westbrooke’s path, And Zain Westbrooke has kicked the ball up into the air and Ali Kolki is there first to get to the loose ball and play the ball back into Zain Westbrooke’s Path, And Zain Westbrooke’s first time shot towards goal clears Gillingham’s Crossbar by some considerable distance, Bristol Rovers have also made there fourth substitution of the match with Zain Westbrooke coming on for Ed Upson, this substitution must have taken place when Vadaine Oliver was getting some treatment.

Seventy Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Jack Bonham saves Sam Nicholson’s dangerous in-swinging cross with considerable ease, And In The Eightieth Minute Of The Match, Zain Westbrooke has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Jack Bonham has gathered the ball with ease, Bristol Rovers just do not have the physicality in the final third to cause Gillingham problems defensively in the air, And with Gillingham winning 2-0 and quite happy to let Bristol Rovers have possession of the ball, Then Bristol Rovers have to find a way to stick the ball into the back of the net very soon to set up a grand-stand finish to this match.

Eighty Two Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers were looking to find that goal which would set up a grand-stand finish, And Sam Nicholson has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and Ryan Jackson has got the faintest of touches on to the ball to header the ball away from goal, And Ryan Jackson was clattered into by Zain Walker and Gillingham have been awarded a defensive free kick and well done Ryan Jackson for that defensive header, and Ryan Jackson requires some treatment on the pitch, and this stoppage in play allows Gillingham to regain there composure and slow down the tempo of the match to our level.

Eighty Four Minutes Into The Match, And Ali Kolki times his sliding challenge to perfection on Ryan Jackson, And Gillingham have won a throw on in Bristol Rovers Final Third Down The Right Side Of The Pitch, And From The Resulting Throw On, Ryan Jackson throws the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, who passes the ball back out-wide to Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson passes the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, who passes the ball back to Dominic Samuel, And Dominic Samuel clips the ball over the top for Ryan Jackson to run on to, And Ryan Jackson manages to keep the ball in play by standing a cross up towards the far post, and there was John Akinde to header the ball over the crossbar, and the ball has gone out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

And that header was John Akinde’s last involvement in this match, Because Alex MacDonald comes on to replace John Akinde, And John Akinde has been superb up-front alongside Vadaine Oliver all evening, and this is probably one of John Akinde’s best performances in A Gillingham Shirt, Alex MacDonald will come on to sure things up defensively for The Gills, And In The Eighty Seventh Minute, Bristol Rovers created a half decent goal-scoring opportunity as Jack Baldwin passes the ball forwards towards Brandon Hanlan inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Brandon Hanlan has gone to ground underneath Connor Ogilvie’s challenge and Jack Tucker takes no chances and kicks the ball clear and away from danger at the expense of conceding a throw on, and from the resulting throw on, Ali Kolki throws the ball back to Jack Baldwin, who takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a high and hanging cross towards the back-stick and Jack Bonham was able to gather the ball with ease.

And In The Ninetieth Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers came close to scoring again, Sam Nicholson has managed to pick out Brandon Hanlan with a low cross across towards the near post, And Brandon Hanlan manages to retain possession of the ball before eventually being challenged by Alex MacDonald, However, Alfie Kilgour has possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch, and Alfie Kilgour passes the ball down the line towards Sam Nicholson, And Sam Nicholson uses his pace to take on Alex MacDonald and stand the ball up towards the far post and Josh Grants Header towards goal goes wide of the far left post, and the ball goes out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick.

Gillingham then make there second substitution of the match as Declan Drysdale comes on to replace Scott Robertson, who has put in a exceptional performance in the middle of midfield, And Declan Drysdale will come on to sure things up defensively for The Gills, The next attack see’s Bristol Rovers on the front-foot as Zain Westbrooke plays a one / two with Sam Nicholson and Zain Westbrooke passes the ball inside centrally to Erhun Oztumer, who passes the ball square to Jack Baldwin, And Jack Baldwin passes the ball out-wide to Ali Kolki down the left side of the pitch, And Ali Kolki whips in a dangerous low cross and Brandon Hanlan flicks the ball across the penalty area and Tom O’Connor boots the ball clear and away from danger and Erhun Oztumer gets the ball under control, takes a few touches in possession of the ball and passes the ball forwards towards Brandon Hanlan, And Brandon Hanlan lays the ball off to Zain Walker, who passes the ball backwards towards Zain Westbrooke, And Zain Westbrooke passes the ball out-wide to Sam Nicholson, And Sam Nicholson passes the ball back inside to Zain Westbrooke, And Zain Westbrooke takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Zain Walker’s diving header fails to hit the target and the ball goes out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick.

And In The Ninety Third Minute Of The Match, Trae Coyle comes on to replace Vadaine Oliver, And you have got to applaud Vadaine Oliver, not just for the two goals, but his overall performance was exceptional again for Gillingham and Vadaine Oliver has now scored three goals in his last two appearances for The Gills, And the final noteworthy moment of the match see’s Max Ehmer’s low cross across the face of goal go out for a goal-kick for The Gills, and neither Brandon Hanlan, Zain Walker or Ali Kolki can divert the ball goal-wards, and after over four minutes of stoppage time, Referee Scott Oldham blows his whistle for Full Time and the final score at The Memorial Stadium Is Bristol Rovers 0-2 Gillingham.

FULL TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-2 GILLINGHAM

I uploaded the following stats update on to Social Media,,,,,, FULL TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-2 GILLINGHAM - A brace from Oliver earns Gillingham three valuable points and Gillingham now move up to 12th in The League One Table after this win tonight, Gillingham's win against Bristol Rovers was also The Gills third away league win of the season. Vadaine Oliver will get all the praise and plaudits for scoring both goals tonight - and rightfully so - But you can pick a additional seven or eight players who were exceptional this evening, Robbie McKenzie is one of those players, who again was superb in-front of the back four, Kyle Dempsey whipped in a sensational cross for Oliver's second goal, Tucker and Ogilvie were brilliant in the heart of Gillingham's Defence, and when Jack Bonham had to be called upon, he prevented Oztumer from scoring from a free kick when the score-line was 1-0 to The Gills. After losing 3-2 against Exeter City In The FA Cup Second Round on Saturday, we wanted to see Gillingham respond tonight, And The Gills have responded by putting in our best performance and our most professional performance of the season by winning 2-0 against Bristol Rovers.

And the latter part of my status update is the big talking point, we wanted to see Gillingham respond with a result against Bristol Rovers, But this wasn’t a smash and grab 1-0 win, this was a exceptional 2-0 win for The Gills against A Bristol Rovers Side who were tipped by many at the start of the season to be dark horses for a playoff challenge in League One, And I do believe that this was Gillingham’s most professional performance of the season, and we have seen the players put that 3-2 home defeat to Exeter City In The Second Round Of The FA Cup behind them with a hard fought win against Bristol Rovers At The Memorial Stadium, If there is one negative on the result, it is the fact that we as supporters could not be inside The Memorial Stadium to celebrate Gillingham’s 2-0 win tonight, Traveling back from a away ground with a win, three points, a clean sheet, and celebrating the win with your fellow supporters are moments to savour that is for sure.

Gillingham are now twelfth in The League One Table, and more importantly, seven points clear of The League One Relegation Zone, that win against Bristol Rovers has opened up a gap between Gillingham and the bottom four, and if Gillingham can back up this win against Bristol Rovers with another win against Swindon Town, Then that gap between Gillingham and the bottom four is only going to increase, and hopefully, by the time we get to the home game against Peterborough United on Boxing Day the gap between Gillingham and the bottom four is ten points at the very least.

Bristol Rovers just could not cope with the physicality from John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver in there own final third, and Bristol Rovers were lacking a striker with that physicality up-front to cause Gillingham problems defensively, Sam Nicholson, Zain Westbrooke, and Erhun Oztumer are not players who can cause Gillingham problems defensively in the air, and the one player who can win the ball in the air in Brandon Hanlan was either isolated, or double marked to perfection from Jack Tucker and Connnor Ogilvie, and it was interesting to hear Steve Evans mentioned that these two trained attack verses defence against Brandon Hanlan when Brandon Hanlan was playing for Gillingham, So we knew how to prevent Brandon Hanlan from causing Gillingham problems defensively, and to keep a clean sheet away at The Memorial Stadium is a incredible response from how Gillingham conceded three goals against Exeter City, the entire team responded and put in a exceptional team performance, and just when Gillingham needed one as well.

Bristol Rovers Supporters have spoken about Gillingham on there forum, and one comment in-particular stood out, "Gillingham everything you need in league 1 with a mid table budget. Big, tough , experienced , hardworking , confident and organised.” And Bristol Rovers have the experience, they have the quality in there side to be pushing higher up the table, but they are perhaps lacking the organisation, the confidence and the toughness you need to dig out a unconvincing 1-0 win when your not at your best, And when you look at the likes of Sam Nicholson, Max Ehmer, Jack Baldwin, Brandon Hanlan, Luke Leahy, Ed Upson, Abumere Ogogo, Zain Westbrooke, and Erhun Oztumer in Bristol Rovers First Team Squad, then Bristol Rovers should be pushing much higher up The League One Table, and maybe Paul Tisdale will be hoping to bring in a few reinforcements when The Transfer Window Opens In January.

This was a professional performance, this was precisely the response we wanted to see from Gillingham after losing 3-2 to Exeter City In The Second Round Of The FA Cup, we were wondering how Gillingham were going to cope with the absence of Jordan Graham from the starting line up, and Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde up-front gave Gillingham the physicality in the final third and Dominic Samuel put in a superb performance for Gillingham in The Central Attacking Midfielder Role, But it wasn’t just the attacking players who put in a superb performance, defensively, Gillingham were out-standing and to go to The Memorial Stadium and keep a clean sheet is something that Gillingham have not done too often, even though we have picked up quite a few points away against Bristol Rovers in recent season’s, this was a very good win, Because the players have put that defeat to Exeter City behind them and Gillingham are now twelfth in The League One Table.

As for Gillingham being twelfth In The League One Table, I think any talk about challenging for the playoff is very premature, and with Gillingham playing against Swindon Town, Doncaster Rovers, Accrington Stanley, and Rochdale over the next four league games, the challenge has to be to get as many points as possible from these four matches and to open up a huge gap between Gillingham and The League One Relegation Zone, so much so that we are not even talking about looking over our shoulder at the bottom four, And four wins out of four from these four league games would put Gillingham on Thirty Two Points from Eighteen Matches.

Hopefully, the first of those four wins can be achieved on Saturday when Gillingham take on Swindon Town At Priestfield Stadium, this would also be another fixture that Gillingham Supporters would have loved to have gone to, But this match will be played behind closed doors, and hopefully, Gillingham can build on this 2-0 win against Bristol Rovers and pick up another three points against Swindon Town - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!

[ftndaily]

#transfernews 📝 #DoneDeal: #BristolRovers have signed #Chelsea goalkeeper #JamalBlackman on-loan until the end of the season. 🌐 Follow @ftndaily for the latest transfer news 🔄📰 #ftn #transfermarket #transferwindow #transfertalk #transfers #footballtransfer #footballtransfers #soccertransfers #footballnews #soccernews #blackman #brfc #bristolroversfc #cfc #allthebest (at Bristol, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7qZj5LgqCF/?igshid=17gohgqdvcmeu

[sportsleague365]

Former Sheffield Wednesday player offers Owls advice on new managerial selection

Former Sheffield Wednesday defender Graham Coughlan says his former club should consider looking to hire Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman as their new manager. The Owls have been searching for a new boss since Steve Bruce left to join Newcastle United in the summer. The Championship side have called a news conference for later on Friday afternoon, which could possibly see that search come to an end, and Bristol Rovers manager Coughlan, has seemingly thrown a late name into the ring for his former club to consider. Speaking ahead of his side’s League One clash with Accrington Stanley on Saturday, Coughlan – who made 56 appearances for Wednesday between 2005 and 2007 – has suggested that his opposite number in the dugout this weekend, should be considered for the main role at Hillsborough, as he told Bristol Live: “When you’ve got a manager in John Coleman and an assistant manager in Jimmy Bell, it always amazes me how these jobs come up in England, these big jobs, and they’re very rarely mentioned. “My son’s team, Sheffield Wednesday, are looking here, there and everywhere at the moment, but half an hour, 45 minutes across the tops, there’s a perfectly good manager in John Coleman.” Explaining his reasons for suggesting Coleman as someone for Wednesday to consider, Coughlan added: “He’s very underrated and, over the last two seasons, I voted for him for manager of the year. “He’s an excellent bloke, first and foremost, and a really top manager, what he’s done at that football club is extraordinary and a minor miracle. “He should get a lot more praise than he does. He has his teams working hard, they work their socks off and obviously enjoy playing for him.” Coleman is currently in his second spell in charge of Accrington manager, having previously overseen the club between 1999 and 2012. He then returned to Accrington in 2014, and in 2017, saw them promoted to League One as League Two champions, before guiding them to a 14th place finish in English football’s third tier last season. The Verdict This is an interesting call from Coughlan. In many ways, I can understand what he is saying about Coleman here, given he has quite frankly worked wonders in getting a club the size of Accrington into League One, and then keeping in the division last season. That being said, I do think there would be more than a few concerns about Coleman’s lack of experience at Championship level were he to make the step up with Wednesday, who are likely to be looking to push on from the division sooner rather than later. Indeed, with a press conference at Wednesday imminent, it does feel as though Coleman’s chance has been and gone for the time being anyway, regardless of whether he wanted it or not. #SheffieldWednesday #AccringtonStanley #BristolRovers

[fan-of-mulligan]

FOM BLOG: BRISTOL ROVERS 1 - 1 GILLINGHAM

My Thoughts On Bristol Rovers V Gillingham……………….

I left my house at 8.20AM In The Morning, and I made sure that I had the following things on me,,,,,,,, (Money, Keys, My Bristol Rovers Ticket, My Sony Xperia XA1, My USB / Plug Charger, My Gillingham Jacket, Spare Lids, My Gillingham Scarf, My Gillingham Bag, Match-Day Programmes, A Packet Of Polo’s, A Can Of Lynx and Pad and Pens) - And I double checked I had everything on me before leaving the house, and I had popped round to The NewsAgents to buy A 500ML Bottle Of Coca Cola for £1.20 before heading back to my house and waited for Diane to pick me up.

Once Diane had arrived to pick me up, I got in the car and Diane put in the address for Bristol Rovers in her Sat Nav and we were good to go for the final away match of the season, Ann mentioned that she had difficulty in trying to buy tickets for Bristol Rovers and she found out on Thursday that more tickets were available for Gillingham Supporters in the away end, but by the time Ann had found out that Gillingham had more tickets available, she had already rang Peter to keep a few tickets spare because Ann, Diane and Shane all need tickets for today’s match, I did wonder if there was more difficulty in trying to buy tickets in the seated section then buying tickets in the terrace, because I brought a standing ticket, But Ann cannot stand for ninety plus minutes and she wanted to sit down, and Diane was going to sit with Ann, I have always stood at Bristol Rovers so I cannot say for sure what the view is like from behind the goal, the main advantage if you are sitting down is that you are covered, because the terrace is open to the elements.

I then spoke about what happened the previous Saturday In The Medway Stand where One Supporter threatened to punch Me and Colin at Half Time, Me and Colin were simply suggesting that maybe Steve Lovell could have lined up with a different system or gone with different personal from the very start and this bloke, who was looking to fight Me and Colin simply because we were discussing how we would like to see Gillingham line up with different personal, We put across our counter argument, But this guy was 250% behind Steve Lovell and any constructive criticism he just did not like and he perceived our conversation as an attack on Steve Lovell, when we know the limitations Steve Lovell is working with in-regards to the first team squad and playing budget.

Now I wasn't sitting in my usual seat where it say's on My Season Ticket, and it would be fair to say that I am in the wrong in that regard, But I am trying a few seats out to see where I want to sit and how far back for next season for when I renew My Season Ticket, Either this supporter perhaps has had a few too much to drink, maybe he was angry with Gillingham's First Half Performance and was just frustrated or he genuinely was looking for a fight, regardless of the potential possibilities, we just moved out of the firing line and moved closer to the dugout for The Second Half, Diane and Ann were shocked that this happened during The Blackpool Game and I then spoke about how The Blackpool Game was A Ticket Deal and I haven’t seen this person at any of the other home games where I sat towards the back of The Medway Stand, because I have sat there for Rotherham United, Peterborough United, MK Dons and The Blackburn Rovers matches, So I have got a very good idea on who the regular’s are sitting around me.

But I do think that The Match-Day Experience At Priestfield Stadium - or lack of a match-day experience - is turning supporters away from renewing there Season Tickets For Next Season, Cost of course is the number one factor and the club have got to try and do something to entice supporters to renew there Season Ticket For Next Season by making Season Tickets more affordable financially for fans, But if your sitting next to someone who is just hurling swear words one after another towards the players for ninety plus minutes, then this is only going to tarnish your match-day experience and your not going to come back to Priestfield Stadium, and when I compare what happened to me for the home game against Blackpool, compared to our support at Fratton Park when Gillingham won 3-1 away from home against Portsmouth, and the difference in support and encouragement aimed towards the players really is night and day.

I posted the following status updates on Facebook and Twitter,,, On my way to The Memorial Stadium, As Gillingham take on Bristol Rovers In League One this afternoon, A Win For Gillingham Today will see Gillingham retain their League One Status without having to wait for results from elsewhere in the league, Hopefully Gillingham can pick up all three points today - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!! - I then posted My Predicted Gillingham Starting Line Up Which I believe will have a lot of changes as Steve Lovell looks to find a way of ensuring that Gillingham can end this season on a high with two wins from the final two league games of the season, and then we can head into the summer looking at who will be released, who will be retained, who Gillingham will sign in the summer, and who Gillingham will play against in pre-season, My Predicted Line Up Was As Follows….. GK Tom Hadler RB Luke O’Neill CB Max Ehmer CB Gabriel Zakuani LB Bradley Garmston CDM Mark Byrne CDM Jake Hessenthaler RM Elliott List CAM Navid Nasseri LM Josh Parker ST Tom Eaves - SUBS: Tomas Holy (GK), Ben Nugent, Scott Wagstaff, Callum Reilly, Lee Martin, Liam Nash and Conor Wilkinson.

I then re-tweeted Gillingham, Gills Debate and Gills In The Blood’s It’s Match-Day Posts, and as for score predictions, I have predicted a draw in both polls because Gillingham are not in the best of form at the moment and a draw would at least see Gillingham pull themselves clear of the relegation battle, now there is a scenario where Gillingham can lose and be mathematically clear of The League One Relegation Zone, But I would much rather prefer Gillingham avoiding relegation off our own backs and getting the result ourselves, If results go our way then fantastic, But let’s get the win and the three points which will mean that results elsewhere will not matter because Gillingham would be mathematically safe from relegation with a win against Bristol Rovers.

Henry then sent the following tweet which I had re-tweeted,,, Big game for #Gills today - it’s been a really awful April. But then that’s pretty normal for us, since we returned to League 1 in 2013, we’ve played 31 games in April, winning just 4 and losing 16. Think we will get a point today though. While Tunbridge Wells Official Twitter Account Tweeted Good Luck Today For Gillingham, I think we all know and realise the importance of this fixture against Bristol Rovers and just what Gillingham need to do to retain our League One Status, because the last thing we want to see is our relegation battle go to the final day of the season and we have to experience what we experienced against Northampton Town Away At Sixfields, and obviously, it was an amazing feeling when Gillingham avoided relegation, but those six minutes after the full time whistle were dreadful, as we had to wait for The Fleetwood Town V Port Vale Match to finish, because that game was six minutes behind the Northampton Town V Gillingham Match.

The Kings Ferry And Independent Coaches were both leaving from Priestfield Stadium at 9.30AM and with Ann speaking about the difficulty of getting tickets for The Bristol Rovers Match, there could be a higher then usual away attendance for Bristol Rovers V Gillingham, The Final Away Game Of The Season always is very relevant and perhaps supporters who don’t travel to away matches as often as they would like to always look to go to the final away match of the season, Also, Bristol isn’t the longest of away trips and you can get to Bristol in three and a half hours depending on traffic.

I spoke about the results in mid-week going in Gillingham’s Favour, Bradford City 2-0 MK Dons, Oldham Athletic 0-3 Southend United, and Rochdale 1-1 Plymouth Argyle, had those results not gone in our favour then Gillingham would be looking over there shoulder even more then we are now, It’s unfortunate that Gillingham’s poor run of form over the last eight matches has soured what has been an incredible turnaround for Gillingham Football Club under Steve Lovell’s Management, Let’s Hope That Gillingham can end this season on a high and get two wins from the final two matches and then we can look ahead to what happens over the summer.

We then stopped off at Membury Services at 10.35AM as Diane wanted to stop over halfway and have a bit of a break from driving, and we stopped for twenty minutes for the facilities and Shane wanted to get something to drink as well, I wasn’t going to get anything to eat as it was early and I was looking to get something to eat when we arrived in Bristol, and we were back on our way again at 10.55AM and we didn’t have long to go before we arrived in Bristol, However, Bristol Rovers did send the following tweet on there official twitter feed,,, The A4174 Bristol Ring Road is closed all weekend,, So there is every chance that traffic problems on The Bristol Ring Road can add further delays on to our travel time, and if we see any sign’s for The A4174 once we arrive in Bristol. then we will need to avoid that route if at all possible.

I then sent My What Is Gillingham’s Football Philosophy Blog To Thirteen Gillingham Supporters On Twitter, And if you want to read that blog, then here is the following link,,,, http://fan-of-mulligan.tumblr.com/post/173255169117/fom-blog-what-is-gillinghams-football-philosophy/amp?__twitter_impression=true - I also my sent My What Is Gillingham’s Football Philosophy Blog to whoever runs The D3D4Football Twitter Account, and I did get a response back as well, I highly recommend that you follow The D3D4 Football Twitter Account and the link to there account can be found here: @d3d4football

I was checking on Facebook, And Paul had liked and commented on my post as I shared My What is Gillingham’s Football Philosophy on Gills In The Blood’s Facebook Page and I had a few likes on My Traveling To Bristol Rovers Status Update, I also saw several status updates from other Gillingham Supporters who were making there own way to Bristol Rovers, and I do believe that Gillingham will have a larger then usual away attendance, simply because it is the final away game of the season.

And just as we arrive at Bristol, we start to hit severe traffic problems, Diane’s Sat Nav said we would arrive at The Memorial Stadium at 12.10PM, and that is being optimistic, because we’re coming up to mid-day as we hit this traffic problem and we still have yet to see that sign for The A4174 Bristol Ring Road, and 12.10PM mind as well say 13.10PM, and that’s just for us, what about the supporters traveling via Kings Ferry and The Supporters Coach, because they are at least an hour behind us, and they will stop off at the services for longer then we did.

Slowly the traffic was moving and we were on the slip road for Bristol which meant we turned off the motorway, but we were on the lookout for The A4174 Bristol Ring Road and what we need to do to avoid that turning, thankfully, The A4174 wasn’t the road we needed to travel to Bristol Rovers and I did see just how bad the gridlock traffic was on The Bristol Ring Road, and the traffic was at a complete stand-still, so it was a sigh of relief and a lucky break that we didn’t need The Bristol Ring Road, which is perhaps the journey we would need to make if we had to go to Bristol City, Because Bristol City and Bristol Rovers are five miles apart from each other, The Clifton Suspension Bridge is closer to Bristol City then it is Bristol Rovers and when we have traveled to Bristol City, We have parked in The Bedminster Cricket Club Car Park, and Supporters can use the food bar at The Bedminster Cricket Club to get something to eat and drink.

Traffic towards The Memorial Stadium was slow and that was understandable because it is a match-day after all, and when we arrived towards the entrance for The Car Park Next To The Memorial Stadium, The Steward Told Us That Away Supporters have to rely on residential parking, this meant that it took us twenty minutes to try and find a parking spot, and even then, Diane wasn’t happy to be parking close the traffic lights on a four way crossing, but we were running out of alternatives and parking spaces were limited at best, I am very surprised that we were not able to park in the car park, and this reminds me of Shrewsbury Town when we traveled via car, Shrewsbury Town have got a huge car park at Greenhous Meadow, But we had to park a mile away and walk to the ground.

I double checked that I had everything on me that I wanted to take with me inside the ground, Diane kept checking for her match ticket, forgetting that she needs to get her ticket from Peter from the coach, We had plenty of time until kick off, and plenty of time until The Players and Supporters Coaches Arrived, So I mentioned to Ann, Shane and Diane that we should get something to eat and drink first, before we head towards the ground, Diane and Ann asked if I was sure if I knew where I was going, but I remember there being a few places for food and drink on the main road, But it was quite a walk from the ground to where a few food outlets were and it was basically a case of find somewhere for food and drink and just hope that where we go isn’t completely packed.

We went into A Local Chip Shop to get something to eat and drink which had a few pictures of old Bristol Rovers Programme’s On The Wall, And I brought A Small Portion Of Chips, Two Jumbo Plain Sausages and A Can Of Coca Cola For £6.50, Shane brought Small Chips and A Donner Kebab, Ann brought A Chicken Burger and a drink and Diane got a drink, But Diane and Ann were going to head straight back to The Memorial Stadium, Me and Shane were going to sit down and eat our respective dinners inside the chip shop, Once we had finished our meals, we put the rubbish in the bin next to us before heading back towards The Memorial Stadium, and I took My Can of Coca Cola With Me, and we needed to walk back to the ground after getting stuffed full with food.

Shane and myself then arrived out-side The Memorial Stadium, and I found a bin to throw away the empty can and I got speaking with Colin, who was confident that Gillingham will survive / avoid relegation, and it is a matter of whether Gillingham can avoid relegation by picking up all three points, or results going in our favour with Oldham Athletic, Rochdale or Walsall all potentially losing there respective matches, But we would love to see Gillingham stay up by doing what we need to do and pick up all three points against Bristol Rovers, Colin mentioned that Julian was watching the game as a fan this afternoon, before Colin asked me where Diane was, and I mentioned that Diane was probably waiting for the coach by the away players entrance.

Colin had to head off inside, while Me and Shane headed round to where Diane and Ann were, I have got to say that The Bristol Rovers Bar / Cafe was completely packed and plenty of supporters were standing out-side with there drinks, that bar must make a lot of money on a match-day, and before heading round towards where Diane and Ann were standing, I brought One Match-Day Programme for £3, and I noticed straight away that Stuart Nelson’s name and number was on the back of the programme and that quite a few players were missing on Gillingham’s Squad Sheet.

I have been to The Memorial Stadium quite a few times, But this was Ann’s first visit to Bristol Rovers, and Ann can see why Bristol Rovers are looking to move to a new ground, because The Memorial Stadium has had stands bolted on to the ground and The Memorial Stadium has clearly seen better days, also the facilities for away supporters are not great, and Diane mentioned that she is surprised that so many away fans complain about Priestfield Stadium when there are much worse football stadiums to go to in League One, The Away End At Roots Hall has seats bolted on to terracing being one such example, As I have got a standing ticket, I have got my fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain, because the terrace at Bristol Rovers is open to the elements and I have got drenched at Bristol Rovers a few times in previous away visits.

The Coach Arrived, and Me, Diane, Ann, Shane and five other Gillingham Supporters went over to where The Team Coach was parked, and we saw Steve Lovell, Mark Patterson, Ian Cox, Glen Johnson, Gary Hemens and The Twenty Gillingham Players that Steve Lovell took with him to Bristol Rovers get off the team coach, with Tom Eaves and Gabriel Zakuani the last two to get off the coach, and Diane asked Gabriel Zakuani if he was OK to play today, and Gabriel Zakuani said yes, and that was good to hear, the players had to go through the entrance for away supporters to make there way towards the changing room’s.

I then looked at The Bristol Rovers Car Park and there was clearly enough spaces available for Diane to park her car, and I think there should be ten or twenty parking spaces available for away supporters, because trying to find somewhere to park took us twenty minutes, and Diane wasn’t happy with where she parked her car, but we had to make do because of the limited parking options around the ground, We then got speaking with Ian who drives The Team Coach, and he had complementary tickets on him for Bristol Rovers V Gillingham, But because Ann and Diane have already said that they will get there tickets from Peter, they were waiting for Peter to arrive with the tickets, Ian mentioned that trying to get the coach through to Bristol Rovers Car Park was a tight fit and he almost took someone’s car out because they had parked right on the edge of the pavement next to the entrance to Bristol Rovers Car Park, And Ian had to be careful when attempting a sharp turn with the coach, because one of the tyre’s could falter under the pressure on the axis.

Ian mentioned that when The Football Season is over, Kings Ferry will be driving coaches for other events, day trips or taking school children to Chessington World Of Adventures Of Thorpe Park, So the coaches will still be used during the off season, I am sure the coaches will be in high demand for The League Two, League One And Championship Playoff Finals At Wembley Stadium, But after this match against Bristol Rovers, that will be it for away matches and I do think that the final away game of the season will see more supporters turn up because it is always a special occasion, last season, it was the most nervous occasion which saw every Gillingham Supporter breath a sigh of relief when our League One Status was safe and secure, let’s hope that Gillingham can get the result we need to retain our League One Status with one game left to play.

The Independent Supporters Coach and The Kings Ferry Coaches arrived at 13.35PM at The Memorial Stadium, Diane, Ann and Shane finally got there tickets from Peter and I also paid Diane My £15 share of the fuel costs while Ann covered her and Shane’s travel costs for the trip to Bristol Rovers, As we were standing around, it was best to sort out the travel fare now, It was also good to see Pam, Pam, Brian, Keith and Paul on The Independent Supporters Coach, The Supporters Coach doesn’t run to as many away games as they would like to, but they were able to run a coach for Bristol Rovers Away.

I got speaking with Lewis and I mentioned that we arrived in Bristol at 12.10PM but it took us another twenty minutes to find somewhere to park in a residential area, Lewis mentioned that it was a good trip to Bristol via coach and Lewis was hoping that Gillingham get the result we need today to ensure that Gillingham retain there League One Status, there is of course the scenario where Gillingham can lose and avoid relegation with results elsewhere going in our favour, But we would much prefer Gillingham getting the result we need knowing that a win will keep Gillingham up regardless of what happens elsewhere.

I then told Lewis about what happened last week in The Medway Stand and that is the first time someone has looked to fight me in the home end, I am looking to move higher up next season, I like where I am situated inside Priestfield Stadium, But I just want to move towards the back of The Medway Stand so that I have got a better view and that I am covered should it rain on a match-day, I then mentioned to Lewis that Gillingham should open up The Brian Moore Stand For Gillingham Supporters and make it so that those who want to buy cheaper match tickets can sit behind the goal, now this benefits the players a lot as your kicking towards Gillingham Supporters In The Brian Moore Stand and The Rainham End and this could help the players a lot, but also, it means that when Gillingham do a ticket deal, we have got four stands open and not three, because the back of The Medway Stand was packed for The Blackpool Game compared to The Rotherham United Game the home fixture before that.

I then got speaking with another Gillingham Supporter and we just want Gillingham to stay up, no last day of the season drama this time round, let’s get the result we need to get against Bristol Rovers and then we can relax and give a few players a runout for The Plymouth Argyle Match on the final day of the season, Blackpool was just a dreadful performance, a dreadful result and one of the most inept performances we have seen from Gillingham This Season, what we need to see against Bristol Rovers is a response, Gillingham need to treat The Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle Matches as a two game mini season and let’s see if Gillingham can pick up six points from six.

The Stewarding for away supporters at The Memorial Stadium was bad, the bag search was expected, but having to unzip my coat and stewards checking you and One Female Steward was using a metal detector device for Ann and Diane, after being searched, I gave my ticket to The Turnstile Operator and I was into the back of the away end, and I said to Diane, what was that, in reference to how she was being searched, and the searching of bags is understandable because there are obviously security checks that need to be done, but the way you are searched at some away grounds is way too strict, like Leyton Orient Away a few season’s ago, where you had to tip the contents of your bag on to a table before picking up your items and getting into the back of the away end at Brisbane Road.

Diane, Ann and Shane headed towards the seated section and I mentioned that I will see them after the game, I queued up to buy A Small Coke for £1.50 before talking with Lewis before the game, and there were two things I was hoping to happen this afternoon, don’t lose Gillingham and don’t rain, because it was overcast weather conditions in Bristol and it looked liked it could rain at any moment, and I have been in the away end at Bristol Rovers where it has rained where I have got drenched through, So I have got my fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain this afternoon.

Eventually, Gillingham’s Team News Appeared On Twitter, And Gillingham Lined Up As Follows,,,,,,,, Tomas Holy, Luke O’Neill, Max Ehmer, Gabriel Zakuani, Bradley Garmston, Mark Byrne, Callum Reilly, Scott Wagstaff, Lee Martin, Josh Parker, Tom Eaves SUBS: Tom Hadler, Ben Nugent, Connor Ogilvie, Jake Hessenthaler, Navid Nasseri, Elliott List and Conor Wilkinson - So Tomas Holy returns between the sticks with Tom Hadler named on the bench, I actually thought that Tom Hadler was going to play against Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle, But Steve Lovell perhaps wants to get a result against Bristol Rovers, and hope that Plymouth Argyle is a nothing game and a few young players can get some game-time for Gillingham Next Saturday.

The other big news is Jake Hessenthaler being dropped to the bench, A Move that Lewis is very pleased with, I mentioned that Mark Byrne and Jake Hessenthaler have been Gillingham’s main two central midfielders throughout this entire campaign and maybe being dropped will give Jake Hessenthaler a kick up the back-side and what we need to see next season is more competition for places in midfield, depending on how Gillingham are going to line up next season, I also wrote this blog on Jake Hessenthaler describing how this season was going to be a huge season for the young midfielder, LINK IS HERE: http://fan-of-mulligan.tumblr.com/post/160628846007/fom-blog-2017-2018-is-going-to-be-an-important

It looks like Gillingham are going to line up with a 4.1.3.2 formation, With Scott Wagstaff, Lee Martin and Callum Reilly lining up as a midfield trio behind Josh Parker and Tom Eaves in attack in what is a very attack minded formation for Gillingham Away From Home, Perhaps Steve Lovell is just going to go all out for the win knowing that a win and three points for The Gills will guarantee League One Survival, regardless of what happens elsewhere, And with Steve Lovell demanding for two huge performances from The Gills, then maybe Gillingham have been working on a few things in training that we haven’t been able to work on over the past few weeks, as Gillingham have had to play mid-week matches against Blackburn Rovers and Rotherham United.

Looking around The Memorial Stadium, And Bristol Rovers really have packed out the ground to there immense credit and if Bristol Rovers are close to selling out The Memorial Stadium, then you do wonder what sort of attendances they are going to get in there new stadium if / when Bristol Rovers do move to there new ground ??? - Both Gillingham and Bristol Rovers are looking to move into new stadiums, and out of both clubs, I think Bristol Rovers are more likely to move into a new stadium because Bristol is a city, and there is perhaps more government powers to build a sports complex for a city then there is for a town.

I got speaking with Matt and Tom just before kick off and we all are hoping for Gillingham to get the result we need which will guarantee League One Survival and then we can relax for The Plymouth Argyle Game The Following Saturday, Matt cannot make it for Gillingham V Plymouth Argyle and I mentioned that it would be typical whilst frustrating in equal measure if Matt would miss Gillingham’s Best Performance / Result Of The Season, because that is always the way, you miss a home game because of a prior arrangement, and Gillingham put in a great performance and pick up all three points in your absence, But we are hoping that Gillingham can retain our League One Status with a result against Bristol Rovers, and then we can turn our attentions to the players who are our of contract, who will get released, who will get retained, who will Gillingham sign, and will our signings reflect the formation that Steve Lovell will want to play next season ???

Both teams were out on to the pitch ready for kick off and the atmosphere raises in volume inside The Memorial Stadium, And having a look on Twitter, Gillingham’s Youngsters had won 4-0 against Cambridge United and I am hoping that Gillingham’s First Team can match what our youth team have done this morning by picking up all three points against Bristol Rovers, three points which would guarantee Gillingham retaining there League One Status for The 2018 / 2019 Season, and speaking of final day relegation drama, Barrow have avoided relegation on the final day of the season in The Conference National and Ade Pennock helped Gillingham to avoid relegation on the final day of last season, and on the final day of The 2017 / 2018 Season, he has managed to keep Barrow in The Conference National, But our attentions are now fully focused on what Gillingham need to do, and picking up three points against Bristol Rovers is precisely what Gillingham need to do this afternoon - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FIRST HALF:

Both teams lined up in-front of the grand-stand ready for kick off, and Bristol Rovers are kicking towards The South Stand In The First Half, and Gillingham are kicking towards The Blackthorn Terrace, meaning that both teams will be kicking towards the ends where there supporters are situated in the second half, Bristol Rovers Supporters really have packed out The Blackthorn Terrace, and if / when Bristol Rovers do move to a new stadium, then I am sure that Bristol Rovers Supporters will want safe standing behind the goal for there new ground, I would like to see Gillingham have safe standing as well, give supporters the choice to stand or sit at football matches.

The first noteworthy moment of the first half is Gabriel Zakuani heading the ball clear away from danger as Gabriel Zakuani wins the aerial challenge up against Ellis Harrison, It’s great to see Gabriel Zakuani back in the starting line up for Gillingham, Because we really did miss Gabriel Zakuani for The Blackpool Match and I don’t think Gillingham would have conceded three goals if Gabriel Zakuani was in the starting line up a week ago.

But Gillingham are asking Bristol Rovers a few questions defensively, Josh Parker charges down a poor pass from Tom Lockyer, and Josh Parker keeps the ball in play, but a heavy touch from Josh Parker allows the ball to run all the way through to Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, And From Here, Sam Slocombe rolls the ball out to Tony Craig, who’s under-hit back-pass almost see’s Scott Wagstaff get on to the loose ball, But Sam Slocombe manages to kick the ball clear and away from danger as Bristol Rovers make a nervous start to this match - Had Scott Wagstaff scored, I think Bristol Rovers Supporters would be furious to be 1-0 down, but they would be equally as irritated, Because Scott Wagstaff is A Former Bristol City Player, and Scott Wagstaff is getting a bit of stick from the home supporters.

Three Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers should have taken the lead, Tom Lockyer passes the ball back to Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, who kicks the ball long down-field and Max Ehmer headers the ball back into Bristol Rovers Half Of The Pitch, And Chris Lines prods the ball forwards to Ellis Harrison, who manages to retain possession of the ball with Max Ehmer closely marking him and Ellis Harrison passes the ball back to Tom Nichols, who takes a touch to control the ball before playing a cross-field pass towards Byron Moore, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Byron Moore runs forward in possession of the ball towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Byron Moore threads the ball out-wide to James Clarke, who manages to keep the ball in play, and James Clarke manages to whip in an dangerous in-swinging cross and Ellis Harrison has hit a first time effort towards goal which goes narrowly wide of Tomas Holy’s Left Hand Post, and despite the fact that Gillingham had five players back inside our own penalty area, Ellis Harrison has almost opened the scoring for Bristol Rovers, and that was a massive opportunity for the hosts to take the lead.

Formation Wise, Gillingham are lining up with a 4.2.3.1 formation, With Mark Byrne and Callum Reilly sitting in midfield, Scott Wagstaff on the right wing, Josh Parker on the left wing, and Lee Martin playing in the central attacking midfielder role with Tom Eaves up-front on his own, I thought Josh Parker and Tom Eaves would lead the line for Gillingham, But Steve Lovell has chosen to go with five in midfield and Tom Eaves in attack, although, should Steve Lovell look to change the formation, then he will look to make changes should Bristol Rovers dominate for a lengthy period of time.

Tom Eaves is penalised for a foul on the halfway for his aerial challenge up against Tom Lockyer, But Gillingham could have opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the match, Tomas Holy has possession of the ball for Gillingham down the right side of the pitch out-side of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Tomas Holy kicks the ball long down-field and Tony Craig pushing Tom Eaves to the deck is not awarded as a free kick by Referee Ollie Yates, but the loose ball falls kindly to Josh Parker, who takes a touch to control the ball before managing to avoid one challenge and passing the ball out-wide to Bradley Garmston, and Bradley Garmston uses his pace to take on Byron Moore, and Bradley Garmston manages to get himself to the byline and clips the ball back across the face of goal, and Josh Parker’s acrobatic effort towards goal is routinely saved by Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Sam Slocombe - Had Josh Parker generated more power behind the strike then Gillingham would have taken the lead, also, it was great to see Bradley Garmston using his pace to get himself towards the byline and pull the ball back across the face of goal.

Tom Eaves is then penalised for his challenge on Tony Craig In The Fifth Minute Of The Match, And Tom Eaves Verses Tony Craig is going to be a fascinating battle between Gillingham’s Top Goal-Scorer and Bristol Rovers Highly Rated Experienced Centre Back, And Gillingham are pushing to make the breakthrough and we’re testing Bristol Rovers Defensively, Callum Reilly has managed to pick out Scott Wagstaff with a cross-field pass, and Scott Wagstaff takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in an dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post, and Tom Lockyer has managed to header the ball partially clear and away from danger, and Gabriel Zakuani headers the ball forward towards Tom Eaves, who holds the ball up and plays a short pass back to Callum Reilly, who squares the ball out-wide to Bradley Garmston, and Bradley Garmston takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in an high and hanging cross which is gathered with ease by Sam Slocombe.

But In the Sixth Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers managed to win themselves a corner kick, Byron Moore passes the ball out-wide to James Clarke, who was looking to take on Bradley Garmston, and James Clarke checks the ball back to Liam Sercombe, who whips in an dangerous in-swinging cross low towards there near post and Max Ehmer was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Chris Lines whips in an dangerous in-swinging cross and Tom Eaves manages to header the ball clear and away from danger and pressure from Josh Parker meant that Lee Brown took no chances and passes the ball back to Sam Slocombe, as Bristol Rovers are not allowing Gillingham to hit them on the counter attack.

And from here, Bristol Rovers look to create a half decent goal-scoring opportunity, as Sam Slocombe passes the ball short to Lee Brown, who takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball centrally to Chris Lines, and Callum Reilly times his challenge to perfection on the Bristol Rovers Midfielder and the ball breaks into Josh Parker’s Path, And Josh Parker’s cross-field pass towards Luke O’Neill is under-hit and although Luke O’Neill does manage to get to the ball, failure to control the ball allows Kyle Bennett to nip in and Kyle Bennett manages to evade Luke O’Neill’s attempted sliding challenge before running down the left flank - Gillingham’s Right - In Possession Of The Ball, and Max Ehmer has done brilliantly to stand his ground, force Kyle Bennett to run much wider then he would have liked, and Kyle Bennett’s in-swinging cross towards the back-stick is over-hit and runs out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick.

Bristol Rovers are really pilling on the pressure on to Gillingham’s Defence, Kyle Bennett manages to intercept the ball on the halfway line, and Kyle Bennett looks to pick out Ellis Harrison with a threaded through-ball, and Ellis Harrison’s first touch let’s him down, while Byron Moore and Chris Lines link up nicely and Chris Lines tries to thread the ball through to Tom Nicholas, who makes a third man run behind Gillingham’s Defence down the left side of the pitch, But Callum Reilly manages to intercept the ball and Gillingham are relying on desperate and last ditch defending to keep the score-line goal-less.

And Bristol Rovers are still pilling on the pressure on to Gillingham’s Goal, This Time, It’s Liam Sercombe who is threading the ball through for Ellis Harrison to run on to, But Liam Sercombe’s threaded through-ball is over-hit and runs all the way through to Tomas Holy, Ellis Harrison has scored fourteen goals for Bristol Rovers This Season, and we have already seen from the opening stages of this match that he is the go to man for Bristol Rovers, having almost opened the scoring for the hosts inside the first five minutes of this match.

Callum Reilly is then penalised for his challenge on James Clarke on the halfway line, but any potential advantage fro Bristol Rovers from the resulting free kick is waved away as Kyle Bennett is penalised for hand-ball, However, Gabriel Zakuani is penalised for his challenge on Byron Moore in The Thirteenth Minute Of The Match, And From The Resulting Free Kick, James Clarke tries to pick out Byron Moore with a clipped pass down the line down the left side of the pitch, But Bradley Garmston is in the right place at the right time to kick the ball into touch at the expense of conceding a throw on, And from here, Gillingham really are relying on desperate defending to keep the score-line goal-less, James Clarke throws the ball short to Byron Moore, who passes the ball back to James Clarke, and James Clarke passes the ball short to Tom Nichols, who skips past Callum Reilly’s attempted challenge before firing a driven low cross across the face of goal and it takes last ditch challenges from Mark Byrne and Max Ehmer just to stop Bristol Rovers from getting a shot off on goal, and Tom Nichols being penalised for his challenge on Gabriel Zakuani just relieves some of the pressure building on to Gillingham’s Goal, It’s going to be a back’s against the wall type of performance from Gillingham at The Memorial Stadium, and we just need to look at results from elsewhere which could make things a lot less nervy for The Gillingham Supporters inside the ground, and of course, those who were listening to the radio and following the match online.

And From The Resulting Free Kick, Tomas Holy has kicked the ball long down the line and Lee Brown has managed to kick the ball clear at the expense of a throw on, And In The Seventeenth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham create a half decent goal-scoring opportunity, Mark Byrne throws the ball down the line towards Scott Wagstaff, who manages to keep the ball in play despite being closely marked by Lee Brown, and Scott Wagstaff checks the ball back to Luke O’Neill, who despite being closely marked himself, Luke O’Neill has managed to whip in an dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Sam Slocombe manages to gather the ball with a bit of difficulty as Tom Eaves was looking to challenge for the high ball.

And A Minute Later, Luke O’Neill see’s his threaded through-ball through to Scott Wagstaff charged down by Lee Brown, and from here, Bristol Rovers are looking to cause Gillingham further problems defensively, Chris Lines passes the ball forward to Ellis Harrison who flicks the ball around the corner for Kyle Bennet to run on to, and Kyle Bennett runs down the left wing before cutting inside into an central position on the pitch, and Kyle Bennett passes the ball square to Liam Sercombe, who threads the ball through to Tom Nichols who had made a third man run behind Gillingham’s Defence and Tom Nichols over-runs the ball out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick, and Gillingham survive this latest defensive scare and Bristol Rovers are very good at making those third man runs, and Gillingham have got to find a way to deal with the threats from Byron Moore, Kyle Bennett, Ellis Harrison and Tom Nicholas, Because Bristol Rovers front four are causing Gillingham a lot of problems defensively.

It’s one thing when Bristol Rovers create there own goal-scoring opportunities, but when we’re giving the hosts a helping hand then that is another thing altogether, and Bradley Garmston’s back-pass back to Tomas Holy was under-hit and Tomas Holy has to kick the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Throw On In Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Bristol Rovers are still pilling on the pressure on to Gillingham’s Goal, As James Clarke throws the ball back to Tom Lockyer, who picks out Lee Brown with a cross-field pass on the halfway line, and Lee Brown passes the ball through to Liam Sercombe, who takes a touch to control the ball before threading the ball through to Kyle Bennett, who skilfully goes past Luke O’Neill, who clips The Bristol Rovers Winger and Bristol Rovers haver been awarded a free kick in Gillingham’s Final Third which could potentially see Bristol Rovers open the scoring, and from the resulting free kick, Chris Lines has whipped in an dangerous in-swinging cross which Gabriel Zakuani manages to partially clear away from danger and Max Ehmer has booted the ball long down-field, and that clearance runs all the way through to Sam Slocombe, And The Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper clips the ball down the line towards Byron Moore and Gillingham still have everyone except Tom Eaves back in our own half defending, and Byron Moore passes the ball out-wide to James Clarke on the over-lap, and James Clarke fires in a low cross towards the near post and Max Ehmer is in the right place at the right time to get the ball partially clear and away from danger, and James Clarke has possession of the ball for Bristol Rovers in Gillingham’s Final Third, And James Clarke passes the ball back to Tom Lockyer, who looks to clip a high and hanging ball into Gillingham’s Penalty Area, But Tom Lockyer opts to pass the ball out-wide to Byron Moore, who skilfully goes past Bradley Garmston before digging out a cross towards the back-stick which is slightly over-hit, and although Ellis Harrison is on to the loose ball down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, Ellis Harrison over-runs the ball out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick, ands the pressure building on to Gillingham’s Goal takes a much needed rest-bite.

So we’re twenty minutes into the match so far and keeping the score-line at 0-0 is always a positive as your looking to frustrate the hosts, But Bristol Rovers are on top, there passing and movement has been very good and the only thing missing is the final ball, Tomas Holy hasn’t been tested in-between the sticks despite Bristol Rovers dominance in play, But if the first twenty minutes of this match is replicated over the next twenty minutes then that is bound to change eventually.

Max Ehmer’s Long Ball Down-Field Towards Tom Eaves is over-hit and runs all the way through to Sam Slocombe, But In The Twenty Second Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers we're inches away from opening the scoring, Lee Brown takes a few touches in possession of the ball before looking to pick out James Clarke with a long diagonal cross-field pass, and Bradley Garmston was in the right place at the right time to header the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Throw On In Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Byron Moore throws the ball back to Tom Lockyer, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Tom Lockyer passers the ball square to Liam Sercombe, and Liam Sercombe takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball centrally to Tom Nichols, who spins past Mark Byrne’s attempted challenge and Tom Nichols has opted to go for goal from twenty five yards out and Tom Nichols effort on goal has hit the stanchion which tells you just how close Bristol Rovers were from taking the lead - Bristol Rovers are getting closer and closer to opening the scoring - and Gillingham have got to do something to try and turn this match around and try and create a decent spell where The Gills are on top and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Twenty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Chris Lines is penalised for his challenge on Tom Eaves and Gillingham have been awarded a free kick, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Luke O’Neill, Lee Martin and Bradley Garmston are all standing over the resulting free kick and I thought that Luke O’Neill was going to go for goal himself, But Luke O’Neill tee’s up Bradley Garmston who see’s his first time driven effort towards goal charged down and Bradley Garmston has now gone down to the deck requiring treatment which really does sum up a frustrating season for Bradley Garmston, play continue’s as Callum Reilly has possession of the ball for Gillingham down the left side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third, and Callum Reilly kicks the ball against James Clarke to win Gillingham A Corner Kick, and the atmosphere raises in volume from the back of the away end(s), before the corner kick can be taken, there was good news as Bradley Garmston was OK to continue playing.

And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Callum Reilly has whipped in an dangerous in-swinging cross towards the near post and Tom Lockyer has won the aerial challenge up against Ton Eaves to flick the ball away from danger and clear the ball out of play at the expense of conceding a throw on for Gillingham, I thought the ball had gone out of play for a corner kick, But The Linesman Down The Far Side Of The Pitch Had Awarded A Throw On, And From The Resulting Throw On, Mark Byrne opts to throw the ball short to Luke O’Neill, who threads the ball through to Scott Wagstaff on the over-lap, and Scott Wagstaff’s attempted pull-back is cut out by Tony Craig, and Mark Byrne could let the ball go out for a throw on, But Mark Byrne takes a touch to control the ball before looking to pick out Tom Eaves with a high and hanging cross-field pass, and Tom Lockyer does brilliantly to win the aerial challenge to header the ball clear and away from danger, and Callum Reilly puts himself in-between the ball and James Clarke to allow the ball to go out of play for A Gillingham Throw On.

Mark Byrne has to run all the way over to the opposite side of the pitch to take this throw on for Gillingham, And Mark Byrne throws the ball down the line towards Josh Parker, and Josh Parker plays a one touch layoff to pass the ball back to Mark Byrne, And Mark Byrne takes a touch to control the ball, and Mark Byrne whips in an dangerous in-swinging cross and Tom Lockyer headers the ball clear for Bristol Rovers and Luke O’Neill is on to the loose ball first, and Luke O’Neill passes the ball out-wide to Lee Martin, who manages to keep the ball in play, and Lee Martin is able to retain possession of the ball before passing the ball down the line towards Scott Wagstaff and Tony Craig puts in a tough challenge on Scott Wagstaff which gets a huge cheer from The Bristol Rovers Supporters, And Gillingham have been awarded a throw on in Bristol Rovers Final Third.

And From The Resulting Throw On, Mark Byrne has hurled in an dangerous long throw and Max Ehmer cannot quite manage to flick the ball on, however, Bristol Rovers allow the ball to bounce and that proves to be ever so costly because Tom Eaves hits a first time instinctive shot towards goal which hits the inside of the post and the ball re-bounds back into Lee Martin’s path who sticks the ball into the back of the net, and our celebrations in the back of the away end were cut short when we saw that The Linesman had his flag raised for offside, I don’t think we can say that the decision was controversial or unjust, and the highlights do show that Lee Martin was in an offside position, Tom Eaves can consider himself very unlucky that his initial effort didn’t hit the back of the net though.

Twenty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Scott Wagstaff is penalised for his challenge on Chris Lines, However, any chance of Bristol Rovers looking to gain an advantage from the resulting free kick is wasted because Ellis Harrison dives theatrically ahead of Max Ehmer’s Challenge, And Referee Ollie Yates awards Gillingham A Defensive Free Kick, From Here, Tomas Holy kicks the ball long down the right side of the pitch to try and pick out Scott Wagstaff and Lee Brown was in the right place at the right time to header the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, And From The Resulting Throw On, Mark Byrne throws the ball down the line towards Scott Wagstaff, who takes a touch to control the ball and looks to pass the ball back to Lee Martin, But there was Kyle Bennett to take no chances and kick the ball into row z at the expense of a throw on.

And From The Resulting Throw On, Mark Byrne throws the ball back to Max Ehmer, who now has possession of the ball for Gillingham on the halfway line, and Max Ehner’s high and hanging cross from the halfway line was comfortably dealt with by Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, And In The Thirty First Minute Of The Match, Gillingham are looking to turn defence into attack as Luke O’Neill’s clearance on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area turns into a great pass, and Tom Eaves does brilliantly to retain possession of the ball for Gillingham on the halfway line, and Tom Eaves is able to turn back on himself and play a fantastic reverse pass through to Josh Parker on the over-lap, and Josh Parker is now running through on goal, and Josh Parker goes round the out-side of Tom Lockyer and Josh Parker’s pull back was saved by Sam Slocombe, maybe Josh Parker could have gone for goal with an early strike, or look to pick out a pass before opting to get to the byline, but nonetheless, Gillingham are causing Bristol Rovers far more problems defensively then what was the case ten minutes prior where Bristol Rovers were in the ascendency.

And Gillingham are looking to open the scoring in The Thirty Second Minute Of The Match, Tom Eaves has possession of the ball for Gillingham in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And Tom Eaves passes the ball back to Callum Reilly, who takes a touch to control the ball before running across from the right side of the pitch to the left as Callum Reilly takes a few touches in possession of the ball, and Callum Reilly passes the ball out-wide to Bradley Garmston, who takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball down the line towards Josh Parker who takes a touch to control the ball, and Josh Parker manages to keep the ball in play before running into an more central position on the pitch, and although Byron Moore does in-fact shove Josh Parker, play continue’s as Josh Parker manages to maintain his balance and retain possession of the ball and Josh Parker manages to evade the challenge from Liam Sercombe before threading the ball out-wide towards Luke O’Neill, and Luke O’Neill takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in an dangerous in-swinging cross, which takes a huge deflection off Kyle Bennett and Tom Eaves does really well to header the ball on target and Sam Slocombe is able to make a routine save for Bristol Rovers - The deflection off Kyle Bennett took all the power and pace out of Luke O’Neill’s Cross which meant that Tom Eaves needed to generate his own power from a looping cross, which was always going to be difficult.

But Bristol Rovers were looking to make the breakthrough themselves, Tom Lockyer looks to pick out Ellis Harrison with a long ball over the top which is too long and runs all the way through to Tomas Holy, And From Here, Tomas Holy kicks the ball long down-field down the right side of the pitch - Bristol Rovers Left - And Liam Sercombe is in the right place at the right time to header the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw On In Bristol Rovers Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Mark Byrne throws the ball down the line towards Scott Wagstaff, who manages to get himself through down by the byline and Scott Wagstaff manages to dig out a cross which is headed partially clear and away from danger by Tony Craig, but the loose ball falls kindly to Luke O’Neill, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Luke O’Neill has whipped in an dangerous early in-swinging cross which picks out Tom Eaves at the near post, and Tom Eaves back-healed effort is routinely saved by Sam Slocombe In The Bristol Rovers Goal - Another Half-Chance For Gillingham to try and open the scoring.

Thirty Five Minutes Into The Match, And Mark Byrne is the first player to go into Referee Ollie Yates Notebook, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Chris Lines plays the ball down the right side of the pitch - Gillingham’s Left - towards Byron Moore, and Byron Moore passes the ball down towards the byline where James Clarke was situated, and James Clarke plays a neat one / two with Byron Moore before somehow managing to evade two challenges and James Clarke’s has whipped in an dangerous in-swinging cross which hits the out-side of the side-netting and I thought that Gillingham should have been awarded a goal-kick, But Bristol Rovers have been awarded a corner kick instead, And Bristol Rovers have got themselves a great opportunity to open the scoring from the resulting corner, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Chris Lines has whipped in an dangerous in-swinging cross and Tom Eaves has done brilliantly to header the ball clear and away from danger, and Tom Lockyer is penalised for his challenge on Josh Parker and Gillingham have been awarded a defensive free kick which relieves the pressure building on to Gillingham’s Goal.

Luke O’Neill is then in the right place at the right time to header Byron Moore’s Cross-Field Cross out of play at the expense of conceding a throw which prevented Kyle Bennett from getting on to the loose ball, Bristol Rovers are then awarded two additional throw on’s in quick succession, before Bristol Rovers look to try and find a way to make the breakthrough in The Thirty Ninth Minute, Kyle Bennett looks to pick out Tom Nichols with a clipped ball over the top for The Bristol Rovers Striker to run on to, but the ball does in-fact run out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick.

I thought the foul awarded against Gabriel Zakuani for his challenge on Tom Nichols was very soft, and Bristol Rovers are awarded a free kick, But It Is Gillingham who break and look to cause Bristol Rovers Problems On The Counter Attack, As Scott Wagstaff has possession of the ball for Gillingham Down The Right Side Of The Pitch, And Scott Wagstaff cuts inside into an more central position on the pitch before seeing his driven effort towards goal charged down by Tony Craig and the ball ricochets through to Sam Slocombe In The Bristol Rovers Goal.

But In The Forty First Minute, Bristol Rovers came close to opening the scoring in fortuitous circumstances, Byron Moore is lucky that his under-hit back-pass to Tom Lockyer isn’t capitalised on by Tom Eaves, and Tom Lockyer passes the ball square to Tony Craig, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Tony Craig takes another two touches in possession of the ball as he moves higher up the pitch, and Tony Craig passes the ball square to Liam Sercombe, who takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball through to Tom Nichols, And Tom Nichols takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball centrally to Byron Moore, who tries to thread the ball through to Ellis Harrison, but the ball deflects off Gabriel Zakuani into Tom Nichols Path, and Tom Nichols cannot get the ball under control, however, Bradley Garmston’s pass back to Tomas Holy is woefully under-hit and we’re extremely fortunate that Ellis Harrison was unable to hit the target, and maybe, just maybe Tomas Holy had done enough to put Ellis Harrison off - But what on earth was Bradley Garmston doing there ???

Forty Two Minutes Into The Match, And Scott Wagstaff has managed to get himself through down by the byline, But Scott Wagstaff’s in-swinging cross towards the far post runs out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, But Bristol Rovers are looking like they are going to make the breakthrough just before half time, Callum Reilly times his challenge to perfection on Chris Lines and Callum Reilly cannot quite manage to get himself to the second ball, and Kyle Bennett manages to get himself to the loose ball and run forward in possession of the ball, and Kyle Bennett see’s his cross / shot blocked by Gabriel Zakuani, and the loose ball falls kindly into Mark Byrne’s Path, who switches the play by passing the ball down the left side of the pitch to where Josh Parker was situated.

However, Josh Parker’s back-pass was under-hit and capitalised on by Byron Moore, who threads the ball out-wide to James Clarke, and James Clarke has fired an dangerous driven low cross across the face of goal and it takes last ditch interceptions from Mark Byrne and Max Ehmer to prevent Bristol Rovers from getting a shot off on target and Gabriel Zakuani finally clears Gillingham’s Defensive Line’s, But the chance is still there for Bristol Rovers who are still on the offensive and the hosts are looking to make the breakthrough, thankfully, Tom Nichols being flagged for receiving the ball in an offside position is the free kick decision that does finally relieve the pressure building on to Gillingham’s Goal - Gillingham really can do with half time now so that Steve Lovell can relay some tactical insight and give the players a morale boosting half time team talk.

Forty Four Minutes Into The Match, And Mark Byrne was lucky to get a free kick decision in his favour, because I don’t think Kyle Bennett had fouled Mark Byrne and the defensive free kick is precisely what Gillingham need so we can survive until the half time whistle with the goal-less score-line in-tact, Gabriel Zakuani also is taking no chances by essentially kicking the ball into Row Z at the expense of conceding a throw on for Bristol Rovers, And From The Resulting Throw On, James Clarke has hurled in an dangerous long throw and Ellis Harrison has managed to flick the ball on and Tomas Holy has managed to father the ball with ease.

And The Final Noteworthy Moment Of The First Half, Is Ellis Harrison penalised and shown A Yellow Card for his challenge on Max Ehmer, A Challenge which see’s Max Ehmer go down to the deck before eventually getting back on to his feat again, and after two additional minutes of stoppage time, Referee Ollie Yates blows his whistle for half time and neither team have broken the deadlock at The Memorial Stadium.

HALF TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 1 - 1 GILLINGHAM

I sent the following two tweets at Half Time ONE: HALF TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-0 GILLINGHAM - Bristol Rovers have edged this match so far, Gillingham have gifted Harrison chances which he has failed to capitalise on, Gillingham have stuck the ball into the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. AND TWO: Hopefully, Gillingham can kick on in the second half and nick this match 1-0, which would guarantee Gillingham retaining there League One Status - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!!!

I got speaking with Colin and Brad at half time and 0-0 isn’t a bad result so far, we’re fortuitous that Bristol Rovers haven’t capitalised on 1-2 under-hit back-passes, Ellis Harrison and Tom Nicholas have had chances to open the scoring and Gillingham have grown into this match, with our best chance being the offside goal where Tom Eaves hit the post and Lee Martin scored the re-bound, and we were all in agreement with the decision, there was noting controversial about the goal not being awarded, although it would have greatly boosted Gillingham’s Chances Of Survival, because a win will confirm Gillingham’s League One Status for next season regardless of what happens with the results from Walsall V Northampton Town, Rochdale V Oxford United, and Oldham Athletic V Doncaster Rovers.

Colin, Brad and Myself got speaking about what happens next season, and one thing we know for certain is that next season for Gillingham Football Club is going to be a real battle in League One, there is no news on A Shirt Sponsor For Next Season, Season Ticket Details have yet to be advertised online, and you look at the business models from elsewhere and the money other chairman can put into the football clubs they owe, and Paul Scally cannot do that, we’re relying on Player Sales and Sell On Fee’s just to keep going, and other clubs are showing levels of ambition, or they have a football philosophy that just works for them.

I would like to see Gillingham Football Club Have A Football Philosophy, This is the formation we are going to line up with (4.2.3.1 for example) here are there list of signings we are looking at who will make this formation work very efficiently, here are a list of manager’s who line up with this formation so that when the manager changes the formation remains consistent, and here is a list of the type of players we want to sign, example: Young Players With Sell On Potential, Like John Egan, Brad isn’t sure if football clubs in the lower league’s have the time or the resources to put A Football Philosophy In Place.

I do think that Bristol Rovers have had more of the ball, they have created more chances even though Tomas Holy and Sam Slocombe have both yet to be tested in-between the sticks for Bristol Rovers and Gillingham Football Club, After Fifteen / Twenty Minutes, it was looking likely that Tomas Holy was going to have to play out of his skin to keep the score-line goal-less, But Gillingham have grown into this match in the second half of the first half, and Bristol Rovers almost capitalised on a costly error from Bradley Garmston, But Tomas Holy perhaps done just enough to put Ellis Harrison Off.

Tactically I wouldn’t make any substitutions just yet, but the one enforced substitution could well be Jake Hessenthaler on for Mark Byrne, not because Mark Byrne has put in a dreadful performance or he is under-performing, but that yellow card is a concern and Mark Byrne may well be substituted to avoid being sent off, But one change I can see happening is Elliott List coming on with fifteen to twenty minutes to go, just to inject some pace into this Gillingham Side, Hopefully, Gillingham can kick on in The Second Half and pick up the three points which will see Gillingham retain there League One Status - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SECOND HALF:

Both teams came out on to the pitch for the start of The Second Half, And Steve Lovell and Darrell Clarke have both stuck with the same eleven players that they have named at the start of the match, With Steve Lovell and Darrell Clarke both waiting to see what happens throughout the second half before opting to make any tactical changes, I can see Mark Byrne being substituted because of that yellow card and the last thing we want to see happen is Gillingham go down to ten men.

And It’s Bristol Rovers who are looking to make the breakthrough at the start of The Second Half, Liam Sercombe picks out Byron Moore with a quality pass out-wide down the right side of the pitch - Gillingham’s Left - And Byron Moore uses his pace to take on Bradley Garmston before whipping in a cross which takes a huge deflection off Bradley Garmston, and that deflection almost diverts the ball into James Clarke’s Path, But Gabriel Zakuani was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball out of play at the expense of conceding a corner kick for Bristol Rovers.

And from the resulting corner kick, Chris Lines has whipped in an dangerous in-swinging cross which is headed clear and away from danger by Max Ehmer and Lee Martin clears the ball up towards the halfway line, and Tony Craig has possession of the ball, and Tony Craig takes another touch, before passing the ball out-wide to Chris Lines down the right side of the pitch - Gillingham’s Left - And Chris Lines takes a touch to control the ball before looking around for various passing options, And Chris Lines clips the ball down the line towards Byron Moore who manages to retain possession of the ball despite Bradley Garmston looking to put in a few challenges and Mark Byrne has come across to help Bradley Garmston double mark Byron Moore, And Byron Moore passes the ball back to Chris Lines, who whips in an dangerous high and hanging cross towards the back-stick and Max Ehmer just about manages to flick the ball away from goal, however, Tom Nichols has possession of the ball and Luke O’Neill is quick to narrow the shooting angle, and Tom Nichols turns back on himself and looks to try and get a shot off on goal, and although Callum Reilly times his challenge to perfection on Tom Nichols, the ball breaks kindly back into Tom Nichols path, and Tom Nichols tee’s up Liam Sercombe to try his luck from twenty five yards out, and Liam Sercombe’s low effort towards goal was heading towards the bottom left corner of the net, and Tomas Holy dives at full stretch to his right to make the save.

And in the same minute, Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Sam Slocombe has sliced a goal-kick straight into Josh Parker’s Path down the left side of the pitch, and Josh Parker’s threaded through-ball through to Lee Martin on the over-lap runs out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, When Josh Parker could have opted to whip in a cross or go for goal himself, But at least that half chance gives Gillingham something to build on.

Forty Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham are awarded a throw on down the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Mark Byrne has hurled in an dangerous long throw which is headed clear by Tony Craig, and the second ball falls kindly to Gabriel Zakuani, who kicks a high and hanging ball into Bristol Rovers Penalty Area which is routinely saved by Sam Slocombe - Gabriel Zakuani perhaps didn’t want to be intercepted and risk Bristol Rovers hitting Gillingham on the counter attack.

But it is from here where Bristol Rovers create a decent goal-scoring opportunity, as Sam Slocombe kicks the ball long down-field and Ellis Harrison manages to win the aerial challenge up against Luke O’Neill to header the ball down the line and Max Ehmer gets to the loose ball ahead of Tom Nichols and runs towards the byline in possession of the ball, And Max Ehmer kicks the ball down the line and Luke O’Neill is able to flick the ball on and Chris Lines manages to get to the loose ball ahead of Callum Reilly to kick the ball forwards to Tom Nichols, who manages to retain possession of the ball ahead of Gabriel Zakuani, and Tom Nichols lays the ball off to Chris Lines, who is surrounded by Luke O’Neill, Gabriel Zakuani, Max Ehmer and Mark Byrne, and Chris Lines scoops the ball over the top towards Ellis Harrison and Ellis Harrison headers the ball back to Liam Sercombe, who has smashed a fiercely struck effort towards goal which knocks Elliss Harrison for six and the ball thankfully deflects out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick - Gillingham were very lucky - because at the time I thought that deflection went narrowly wide of Tomas Holy’s Left Hand Post, but highlights show that the ball deflected much wider then I had initially first thought.

Fifty Minutes Into The Match, And Bradley Garmston has whipped in an dangerous in-swinging cross which almost picks out Scott Wagstaff at the back-stick, and Lee Brown was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball partially clear and away from danger, and for the second ball, there was a mix up between Luke O’Neill and Mark Byrne and Tom Lockyer nervously passes the ball back to Sam Slocombe who passes the ball short to Lee Brown, and Lee Brown takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball short to Chris Lines in the centre of midfield in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And Chris Lines takes several touches in possession of the ball before running forward in possession of the ball towards the halfway line, and Chris Lines passes the ball forward to Kyle Bennett in Gillingham’s Half Of The Pitch, And Kyle Bennett is being closely marked by Luke O’Neill and Mark Byrne, and Kyle Bennett passes the ball short to Chris Lines, who loses possession of the ball as Lee Martin times his challenge to perfection, and Lee Martin runs forward in possession of the ball before being cynically tripped by Kyle Bennett, who is shown a yellow card for tripping Lee Martin and Gillingham have been awarded a free kick.

And Gillingham came ever so close to opening the scoring from the resulting free kick, Luke O’Neill and Bradley Garmston are both standing over the ball, and Bradley Garmston runs across and leaves the ball for Luke O’Neill to whip in an fantastic in-swinging cross and Lee Martin is unmarked inside the six yard box and Lee Martin headers the ball over Bristol Rovers Crossbar and Sam Slocombe had committed himself to make a save and that was a guilt edge goal-scoring opportunity for Gillingham to open the scoring, Tom Eaves, Lee Martin and Gabriel Zakuani were all in fantastic positions to header the ball on target, and Lee Martin’s Header Clear’s Bristol Rovers Crossbar.

Fifty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Bradley Garmston is forced to header a long ball down-field out of play for A Bristol Rovers Throw On In Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, James Clarke throws the ball short to Byron Moore, who takes a touch to control the ball before threading the ball through to James Clarke through by the byline, and James Clarke’s in-swinging cross towards the far post is over-hit and runs out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick, But Bristol Rovers are still causing Gillingham Problems, this time it is problems of Gillingham’s Own Making, as Tomas Holy kicks the ball out-wide to Bradley Garmston, who is forced to nervously kick the ball down the line and James Clarke wins the aerial challenge to header the ball into the centre of midfield, and Chris Lines kicks the ball long over the top to try and pick out Ellis Harrison and Gabriel Zakuani takes no chances and headers the ball clear and out of play at the expense of A Bristol Rovers Throw On, And From The Resulting Throw On, James Clarke throws the ball inside to Chris Lines, who looks to switch the ball to the opposite flank very quickly, and Luke O’Neill positions himself in-between Tom Nichols and the ball and shields the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw.

Fifty Five Minutes Into The Match, And Callum Reilly is penalised for his challenge on Chris Lines, and Bristol Rovers are awarded a free kick in there own final third, However, Bristol Rovers wastefully knock the ball out of play for a throw on, and Gillingham had the chance to create a half decent goal-scoring opportunity, And From The Resulting Throw On, Luke O’Neill throws the ball down the line towards Scott Wagstaff, who plays the ball back to Luke O’Neill, who takes a touch to control the ball before laying the ball off to Mark Byrne, who passes the ball down the line towards Scott Wagstaff, And Scott Wagstaff was looking to twist and turn his way past Lee Brown, And Scott Wagstaff passes the ball back out-wide to Mark Byrne, who whips in a curling in-swinging cross towards the far post which goes out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

But It Is In The Fifty Seventh Minute Where Gillingham Created A Decent Goal-Scoring Opportunity, Sam Slocombe kicks the ball long down-field for Bristol Rovers and Ellis Harrison wins the aerial challenge up against Scott Wagstaff to header the ball into the centre of midfield and Callum Reilly is on to the loose ball first, and Callum Reilly passes the ball forward to Josh Parker who plays a one touch layoff into Lee Martin’s Path, And Lee Martin losses out to Liam Sercombe who times his challenge to perfection, but the ball breaks kindly into Callum Reilly’s Path, And Callum Reilly runs forward in possession of the ball before shifting the ball onto his left foot and Callum Reilly see’s his driven effort towards goal take a huge deflection off Tom Lockyer and the ball goes narrowly wide of Sam Slocombe’s Right Hand Post - Callum Reilly really does look up for this, driving forward in possession and going for goal - and now, Gillingham have been awarded A Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Luke O’Neill whips in an dangerous in-swinging cross and Tony Craig has headed the ball clear to the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, and Lee Martin is being urged to shoot, But Lee Martin takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Tom Eaves who whips in a high and hanging looping cross which is comfortable for Sam Slocombe to gather with ease.

From Here, Sam Slocombe kicks the ball long down-field and Sam Slocombe’s clearance almost picks out Byron Moore down the right side of the pitch, but the ball thankfully rolls out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, Bristol Rovers Manager Darrell Clarke then makes a double substitution as Dominic Telford and Rory Gaffney come on to replace Tom Nichols and Ellis Harrison, So Darrell Clarke has made like for like changes to try and freshen things up in attack for Bristol Rovers, Steve Lovell has got Elliott List and Conor Wilkinson on the bench should Steve Lovell want to freshen things up in attack for Gillingham.

Bristol Rovers then have a throw on down the right side of the pitch, And James Clarke throws the ball down the line towards Byron Moore, And Bradley Garmston kicks the ball against Byron Moore to win Gillingham A Goal-Kick, News was then breaking through from elsewhere that Rochdale had taken the lead against Oxford United and AFC Wimbledon were winning against Wigan Athletic, if these results stay as they are, then Gillingham’s battle to remain in League One would go to the final day for the second consecutive season.

Sixty One Minutes Into The Match, And Luke O’Neill’s long pass down the line towards Tom Eaves is over-hit and runs all the way through to Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, While A Minute Later, Gillingham are under the cosh defensively, Rory Gaffney controls the ball ahead of Bradley Garmston before running into an central position on the pitch and Bristol Rovers Supporters were appealing for a foul as Callum Reilly and Rory Gaffney before fall to the deck, however play continue’s as Gabriel Zakuani passes the ball forward to Lee Martin, who takes a touch to control the ball before taking another touch and passing the ball down the line towards Tom Eaves, who’s first time pass back inside fails to find Lee Martin or Mark Byrne and Chris Lines now has possession of the ball, And Chris Lines runs forward in possession of the ball and Chris Lines carries on his run with Callum Reilly closing The Bristol Rovers Midfielder Down, And Chris Lines tries to pick out Dominic Telford with a threaded through-ball down the left side of the pitch which is cut out by Luke O’Neill, and Luke O’Neill is then penalised for a reckless challenge on Chris Lines, And Bristol Rovers are awarded a free kick in a promising position on the pitch.

And From The Resulting Free Kick, Bristol Rovers had a fantastic opportunity to open the scoring, Kyle Bennett whips in an fantastic in-swinging cross towards Rory Gaffney and Gabriel Zakuani wins the initial aerial challenge, and the second ball drops to Dominic Telford, who hits a first time snap-shot effort which crashes into the side netting, Some Bristol Rovers Supporters thought that Bristol Rovers had opened the scoring and they were celebrating, I honestly thought that Bristol Rovers had opened the scoring and that was a massive let off for Gillingham.

News from elsewhere in League One eased some of our nerves, because Oxford United are now level at 1-1 against Rochdale, Walsall were drawing against Northampton Town, And Oldham Athletic were drawing against Doncaster Rovers, If Gillingham can find a winner in this match then results from elsewhere will not matter one bit, A 0-0 Draw should be enough for Gillingham to avoid relegation, but it would be nice to avoid relegation mathematically with a win.

And From The Resulting Goal-Kick, Tomas Holy kicks the ball long down-field and Tom Eaves flicks the ball on and Sam Slocombe is able to gather the ball with ease in The Bristol Rovers Goal,  Tom Eaves was then penalised for his challenge on Liam Sercombe and Bristol Rovers Supporters were upset with The Free Kick Decision Because Bristol Rovers were on the attack and the stoppage time play helped Gillingham because there was the possibility of a breakaway for the home side, And Bristol Rovers Midfielder Liam Sercombe is down injured and requires some treatment before getting back on to the pitch and able to continue playing.

And In The Sixty Eighth Minute Of The Match, Conor Wilkinson comes on to replace Josh Parker for Steve Lovell’s First Substitution Of The Match, Josh Parker has mostly played on the left wing, so this substitution could well see Callum Reilly moved out on to the left wing, With Conor Wilkinson and Tom Eaves lining up alongside each other in attack, perhaps Steve Lovell knows that we just have got to go for it and Gillingham need to go and get the three points we need to guarantee League One Survival.

Gillingham then had the chance to ask questions of Bristol Rovers Defensively, Tom Eaves passes the ball through to Lee Martin on the over-lap, and Lee Martin could pass the ball back to Callum Reilly, or look to whip in a cross from the byline, Lee Martin tried to take on James Clarke who does his defensive duties exceptionally well by shielding the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, and there is an element of frustration from Gillingham Supporters, Because Gillingham’s Decision Making In The Final Third has at times been very disappointing, Gillingham have actually switched to a 4.4.2 formation with Scott Wagstaff and Lee Martin on both wings, and Conor Wilkinson and Tom Eaves lead the line for Gillingham in attack.

Seventy Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers have the chance themselves to try and make the breakthrough, Dominic Telford - who has recently come on as substitute for Bristol Rovers - uses his pace to go past Luke O’Neill and get himself to the byline before clipping a high and hanging cross across the face of goal which is gathered out of the air by Tomas Holy, And From Here, Tomas Holy kicks the ball long down-field, And Tom Eaves flicks the ball on and Tom Eaves flick on almost picks out Lee Martin, But James Clarke just about gets to the loose ball and kicks the ball long down the line towards Byron Moore, and there is now a foot-race between Byron Moore and Bradley Garmston to get to the loose ball and Bradley Garmston on the stretch has no choice other then to concede a corner, and the atmosphere from behind the goal raises in volume as this match starts to stretch from one end of the pitch to the other.

And one end of the pitch to the other is what happened from the resulting corner kick, As Chris Lines opts to go short to Byron Moore, who looks to pick out one of Dominic Telford or Liam Sercombe on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Liam Sercombe’s driven effort towards goal is charged down by Gabriel Zakuani, and the ball breaks into Callum Reilly’s path, who plays the ball through to Mark Byrne down the left side of the pitch, and play on is waved on as Callum Reilly is clipped, and Mark Byrne then plays the ball through to Tom Eaves on the over-lap, who manages to keep the ball in play before running towards goal and I thought that Tom Eaves was going to shoot or lay the ball off, but why does Tom Eaves look to go round the out-side of James Clarke when The Bristol Rovers Defender shields the ball out for a goal kick I have got no idea - It was the wrong option and Gillingham’s Decision Making In The Second Half has let down one or two decent attacking opportunities for The Gills, opportunities which could have seen Gillingham take the lead by now, because many supporters in the back of the away end had the opinion that Bristol Rovers were beatable and Gillingham can do this, Gillingham can go on and find the winning goal which will see Gillingham retain there League One Status.

Seventy Four Minutes Into The Match, And Max Ehmer is in the right place at the right time to header Byron Moore’s dangerous in-swinging cross clear and away from danger and Callum Reilly is on to the loose ball first and Dominic Telford is penalised for his challenge on Callum Reilly and Gillingham have been awarded a free kick in there own final third, both team’s then make substitutions to freshen the team up, For Bristol Rovers, Ryan Broom comes on to replace Byron Moore, And For Gillingham, Elliott List comes on to replace Tom Eaves, A Substitution which was surprising to say the least, granted, Tom Eaves has had better games in A Gillingham Shirt then the one against Bristol Rovers, but there was always the possibility that if Gillingham were to win a corner kick or free kick, then Tom Eaves could make a huge impact for The Gills from a set play.

Elliott List will at least provide Gillingham with a bit of pace in the final third, and as I mentioned to Colin and others after The 3-0 Home Defeat Against Blackpool, Gillingham do not have players who can stretch the opposition’s defence, this team is a very industrial, hard working and committed group of players, many were signed to address Gillingham’s Leaky Defence From Last Season, And Defensively, Gillingham have improved, we just need to add that stardust in midfield and attack that can turn defeats into draws and draws into wins.

Gillingham are then awarded a free kick as Chris Lines is then penalised for his challenge on Scott Wagstaff, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Lee Martin has clipped a high and hanging ball into the heart of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area which is routinely saved by Sam Slocombe and I have got to say that Gillingham have wasted a very good goal-scoring opportunity here, and Sam Slocombe has kicked a long clearance down-field that runs all the way through to Tomas Holy.

Seventy Six Minutes Into The Match, And Lee Martin is penalised for his challenge on Liam Sercombe, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Chris Lines tries to pick out Dominic Telford with a long ball, And Max Ehmer is well positioned to clear the ball away from danger, however, Lee Brown has time to bring the ball under control, and Lee Brown almost picks out Ryan Broom with a diagonal cross-field pass which is over-hit and runs out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, And Gillingham were lucky there because had Ryan Broom kept the ball in play, he would have been able to get in and behind Gillingham’s Defence.

And Gillingham had the chance to open the scoring in The Seventy Eighth Minute, Gillingham have a throw on down the left side of the pitch, And Bradley Garmston throws the ball down the line and Tony Craig headers the ball back into Gillingham’s Half while Conor Wilkinson was being marked by James Clarke, and Rory Gaffney flicks the ball on ahead of Gabriel Zakuani’s challenge and Dominic Telford is able to shield the ball from Max Ehmer and lay the ball off to Liam Sercombe, who runs forward in possession of the ball and Callum Reilly times his sliding challenge to perfection, and Mark Byrne is on to the loose ball, And Mark Byrne a few touches in possession of the ball before kicking the ball down the line for Elliott List to run on to and Elliott List manages to get to the loose ball ahead of Tom Lockyer, and Elliott List keeps the ball in play with a back-heal, And Elliott List back-heals the ball back to Conor Wilkinson, who initially slips before getting back on to his feat, and Conor Wilkinson cuts inside into an more shooting position, and although Conor Wilkinson takes a few touches in possession of the ball, Conor Wilkinson fails to hit the target by some considerable distance with his shot on goal, and Sam Slocombe isn’t required to make a save.

Seventy Nine Minutes Into The Match, And Elliott List is penalised for his challenge on Tony Craig, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Tom Lockyer plays a long ball over the top to try and pick out Ryan Broom, And Bradley Garmston has the pace to track-back, put himself in-between the ball and Ryan Broom and shield the ball out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick - With Ten Minutes Left To Play - this match appears to be a must not lose match for both team’s, Bristol Rovers want to get at least a point from there final home match of the season, and Gillingham need a point to recover from that disappointing defeat against Blackpool in our previous league match, and a point depending on results from elsewhere will be enough for Gillingham to retain there League One Status.

And From The Resulting Goal-Kick, Tomas Holy kicks the ball long down-field and James Clarke wins the aerial challenge up against Conor Wilkinson, and Callum Reilly beats Ryan Broom to the loose ball, takes a touch before hooking the ball over his shoulder and Callum Reilly’s hooked over the shoulder pass bounces over Liam Sercombe and falls nicely into Conor Wilkinson’s Path, And Conor Wilkinson takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball down the line towards Lee Martin, who runs into an more central position on the pitch down the right side of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area - Gillingham’s Left - And Lee Martin passes the ball inside to Conor Wilkinson, who tries to take on Tom Lockyer, and Tom Lockyer times his challenge to perfection, but the loose ball falls kindly to Lee Martin, who goes for goal with a first time effort which is saved and then gathered at the second attempt By Sam Slocombe.

And Gillingham are looking to build on that Lee Martin Goal-Scoring Opportunity, As Luke O’Neill see’s his dangerous in-swinging cross charged down by Lee Brown and Gillingham have been awarded a corner kick in The Eighty First Minute, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Luke O’Neill whips in an dangerous in-swinging cross which is headed clear and away from goal down the left side of the pitch by Tony Craig, and Bradley Garmston manages to keep in play and pass the ball short to Lee Martin, who manages to dig out a cross towards the far post and Conor Wilkinson on the stretch headers the ball wide of Sam Slocombe’s Left Hand Post - Gillingham look likely that they are going to be the side who push on and pick up all three points.

Eighty Four Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers do in-fact manage to stick the ball into the back of the net, Tom Lockyer has possession of the ball for Bristol Rovers and Tom Lockyer kicks the ball long down the line and Ryan Broom headers the ball back to Chris Lines, who manages to keep the ball in play, and Chris Lines skips past Lee Martin’s attempted challenge before squaring the ball to Kyle Bennett, who looks to turn past Scott Wagstaff and get a shoot off on goal, But Kyle Bennett checks back on himself and clips the ball towards the far post and Ryan Broom headers the ball back across the face of goal and Dominic Telford sticks the ball into the back of the net, however, The Linesman down the far side of the pitch had has flag raised for offside, as Ryan Broom was in an offside position when he headed the ball back across the face of goal, and Gillingham survive and the score-line remains goal-less.

But In The Eighty Fifth Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers do in-fact open the scoring and take the lead, Kyle Bennett has possession of the ball in Gillingham’s Half Of The Pitch, And Kyle Bennett manages to retain possession of the ball while looking around for passing options, and Kyle Bennett passes the ball sideways to Liam Sercombe, who passes the ball back to Tom Lockyer, And Tom Lockyer passes the ball inside to Chris Lines who has possession of the ball just inside Bristol Rovers Half Of The Pitch, And Chris Lines runs forward in possession of the ball before continuing his run forward down the left side of the pitch and Chris Lines runs forward all the way through to the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area before threading the ball through to Lee Brown on the over-lap, and Lee Brown passes the ball across the face of goal, and there was Dominic Telford who saw his first time effort towards goal saved by Tomas Holy and Dominic Telford headers the re-bound into the back of the net to give Bristol Rovers the lead.

It is really disappointing to see Gillingham concede that goal because Lee Martin saw his effort saved and Conor Wilkinson had fired one effort high and wide and it looked likely that Gillingham were going to go on and win the game, But with Bristol Rovers scoring late on, It is looking very likely that Bristol Rovers will win there final home game of the season and Gillingham will suffer another defeat, But looking at the highlights should Dominic Telford’s goal been allowed to stand ??? Because Dominic Telford’s shot towards goal actually hit Rory Gaffney before Dominic Telford scored the re-bound, and Gabriel Zakuani and Scott Wagstaff had there hands up for offside, unfortunately there is no side on camera angle for the goal, so there is no way to confirm or deny if Bristol Rovers goal should or shouldn’t be awarded, But the reality of the situation is that Gillingham are losing 1-0 and there isn’t long left until the full time whistle.

Looking At Gillingham’s Options on the bench, bringing Ben Nugent on as an additional striker is an option, perhaps keep Luke O’Neil, Gabriel Zakuani and Bradley Garmston in defence and move Max Ehmer up-front is another option should Steve Lovell decide not to make a substitution, Navid Nasseri was warming up in-front of us so Navid Nasseri could come on and provide Gillingham with a different option and add some energy and creativity in the middle of midfield.

Gillingham try to respond instantly with Mark Byrne attempting an long range shot which is blocked by Tony Craig and while we are hoping for an immediate equaliser, Bristol Rovers look like they are going to be the side who kick on and grab themselves a second goal, Bristol Rovers have a throw on down the right side of the pitch, and Ryan Broom throws the ball down the line towards Rory Gaffney and Gabriel Zakuani reads the situation very well and clears the ball away from danger.

And it is from the resulting throw on where Bristol Rovers almost double there lead, James Clarke throws the ball long down the line and Gabriel Zakuani wins the initial aerial challenge and Liam Sercombe headers the ball forwards for Bristol Rovers, and Rory Gaffney chests the ball under control before passing the ball through to Kyle Bennett, who is forced to run away from goal and Kyle Bennett passes the ball back to Chris Lines, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Chris Lines passes the ball back to Kyle Bennett, who skilfully passes the ball past Luke O’Neill through to Rory Gaffney, who shields possession of the ball despite Callum Reilly’s attempted challenge, and Rory Gaffney lays the ball off to Kyle Bennett, who takes a touch to control the ball before looking to run into an more central position and checking himself back out-wide again, and Kyle Bennett passes the ball inside to Rory Gaffney, who has possession of the ball for Bristol Rovers inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Rory Gaffney runs away from goal before attempting a cross / shot on the turn which goes narrowly wide of Tomas Holy’s Left Hand Post - Gabriel Zakuani also ducked to allow the ball to wide and out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

It starts to get a bit frustrating towards the end of the match, especially for Bradley Garmston, A Poor Throw From Bradley Garmston back to Gabriel Zakuani is cut out by Ryan Broom, and from the second throw, Bradley Garmston is then penalised for a foul throw, and The Fourth Official then puts FOUR ADDITIONAL MINUTES OF ADDED TIME ON THE BOARD!!!!!!!!! - Four Minutes For Gillingham to try and get a goal which would earn an very important point.

And In The Ninety Third Minute Of The Match, Gillingham do in-fact score the equaliser, Luke O’Neill squares the ball to Gabriel Zakuani who takes a few touches in possession of the ball before turning back on himself and passing the ball back to Tomas Holy, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down-field and Tom Lockyer does win the aerial challenge, but the ball ricochets off Conor Wilkinson into Elliott List’s Path, And Elliott List is onto the loose ball, gets the ball under control before slipping the ball underneath Tony Craig’s Attempted challenge before squeezing the ball underneath Sam Slocombe to score an very important equaliser for The Gills, and a goal that I believe Gillingham deserved based on how the second half has gone.

Elliott List and the rest of The Gillingham Players celebrate in-front of those of us who were in the standing terrace and Elliott List gets jumped on, Elliott List has finally scored his first ever goal for Gillingham and what a time to get it as well, A Last Minute Equaliser which earns Gillingham a valuable point away against Bristol Rovers, and a point which should make absolutely sure that Gillingham retain there League One Status, the celebrations in the away end were something to savour, and it was important that Gillingham got something out of the match against Bristol Rovers, there is still time remaining for either side to nick a winner late on, but the equaliser is brilliantly timed for The Gills.

Bristol Rovers then kick off and play the ball out-wide to Lee Brown, who takes a touch to control the ball and pass the ball forward to Kyle Bennett, who skips past Mark Byrne’s attempted challenge before being bundled to the floor by Scott Wagstaff and Bristol Rovers Supporters wanted a free kick which wasn’t awarded, and Conor Wilkinson has possession of the ball and Conor Wilkinson takes another touch, but his threaded ball down the line towards Lee Martin is over-hit and Referee Ollie Yates blows his whistle for full time and both sets of supporters are probably happy with a point, Bristol Rovers were celebrating Lee Brown’s Last Home Game As A Bristol Rovers Player, And Gillingham have scored in stoppage time to earn a valuable point.

Results were starting to come through from other matches, Oxford United 2-1 Rochdale, Oldham Athletic 0-0 Doncaster Rovers, Walsall 1-0 Northampton Town, and even if Gillingham had lost against Bristol Rovers, League One Survival would be safe and secure, but it’s nice to be mathematically safe from relegation and Gillingham getting another point which makes absolutely sure of League One Football Next Season.

FULL TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 1-1 GILLINGHAM

I made sure I had all my belongings on me, and I got speaking with Ben at full time and we were delighted that Gillingham have picked up a point and delighted that Gillingham have maintained there League One Status, and the main thing was ensuring that we went into The Plymouth Argyle Game knowing that there was nothing on the line and we can perhaps play with a bit of freedom which has been lacking in recent weeks, and it would be nice to end this season on a high with a win against Plymouth Argyle.

I got speaking with Brad and a few others and we can now look forward to the summer, who will Gillingham offer contracts to, who of those players will be under contract at Gillingham Football Club for the next one, two or three season’s, who will be released, who will Gillingham sign over the summer, and who will Gillingham play against in pre-season ??? - I still have the opinion that next season is going to be a real battle again to avoid relegation, Because every season League One gets harder and harder, and clubs coming up from League Two are going to carry the success of this season into next season, Accrington Stanley, Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers have all secured promotion into League One, Exeter City and Notts County are guaranteed playoff spots, and it’s between Coventry City, Lincoln City and Mansfield Town who are competing for the two remaining playoff spots in League Two.

I made sure I had everything on me before heading towards the exit, And I saw Shane then I saw Diane and Ann, and Diane asked where the players entrance was and one steward wasn’t being very helpful before someone pointed us in the general direction of where we needed to go, The Supporters Coach and The Kings Ferry Coach were making the trip back to Kent, and we waved to both coaches before heading round the back of The Blackthorn Terrace, The Attendance For Bristol Rovers V Gillingham was announced as 9,715 and I have got to tip my hat and salute Bristol Rovers for there incredible home support because to get almost 10,000 for the final home game of the season is an remarkable achievement, I really do hope that Bristol Rovers get the new stadium that they are looking for because you can see Bristol Rovers getting 15,000 - 18,000 home supporters inside a new stadium, especially if Season Ticket Prices are structured along the same lines as Bradford City.

As we got towards the back of The Blackthorn Terrace, One Steward was very helpful and pointed to us to where we needed to go and said if we needed anything then please ask and extended his help beyond what he needed to, and we appreciated that, And Me, Diane, Ann and Shane headed towards the players entrance, While we were waiting for the player to come out of the dressing room, I sent the following tweet,,, Congratulations to Steve Lovell, Ian Cox, Glen Johnson, Mark Patterson, The rest of the coaching staff, and of course The Gillingham Players, Because Gillingham will be playing League One Next Season, which was our number one objective when  Lovell took over as Gillingham Manager - And we can look forward to another season in League One Next Season, the last few weeks have been disappointing, but all in all, we have achieved our main objective which was avoiding relegation.

I then sent David the following tweet,,, Hello Dave, Are you doing the blog for today's game ??? - Need any post match comments from myself, and I sent my post match tweet, And I posted the following,,,, FULL TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 1-1 GILLINGHAM - Elliott List's last gasp equaliser has earned Gillingham a valuable point and with results going in Gillingham's Favour, Gillingham are now safe, Feel free to ask me any questions you have about today's match….

Diane asked Max Ehmer for his shirt before asking our kit-man Malcolm Steadman for Gabriel Zakuani’s Shirt, The Players threw there shirts into the crowd after the full time whistle, and Diane was able to get Max Ehmer’s Shirt, something which amused Ann and Shane, I asked Diane if she was going to frame the shirt, Malcolm Steadman came out and he was not happy that the players threw the shirts into the crowd because we might need those shirts for pre-season, I asked Malcolm will Gillingham west The Black And White Kit as our home kit, and Malcolm Steadman mentioned that Gillingham will wear Black And White as our Home Kit for the first and last home games of the season, and we will wear our Blue and Black Kit for every home game besides those two, and Malcolm was loving the new Blue and Black Kit, pointing out how amazing the kit looked.

We congratulated Elliott List for finally scoring his first goal for Gillingham before saying well done to Lee Martin, Gabriel Zakuani, Josh Parker, Luke O’Neill and Scott Wagstaff, One lad standing with us wanted Tomas Holy’s Shirt, But Tomas Holy couldn’t give his shirt away and he will give it away after the final home game of the season, I mentioned that Tomas Holy will be by The Players Entrance after the game for the final home game of the season, so that the young lad can get Tomas Holy’s Shirt.

Once we had seen the players and the coaching staff, Me, Diane, Ann and Shane headed back towards where the car was parked, and I did need a drink afterwards, and Diane mentioned that we will stop off shortly, but we just needed to get out of Bristol because the traffic around The Memorial Stadium was hectic to say the least, and we had waited around to allow the crowd to disperse and there were still traffic problems around the ground, I got talking to Luke briefly and it was a great point for Gillingham, But Luke mentioned that Gillingham really need to win against Plymouth Argyle, otherwise Gillingham would be winless in ten league matches, and we don’t want to take that level of form into the off season and the start of next season as well, but the point against Bristol Rovers, Elliott List finally scoring his first Gillingham Goal and Gillingham retaining there League One Status were huge positives.

We then got back to the car, Elliott List scoring Gillingham’s Late Equaliser, Gillingham picking up a point, Gillingham avoiding relegation on the final day of the season and Diane getting Max Ehmer’s Shirt so something had to go wrong, and Diane split her drink in her bag was the one thing that went wrong, So Diane needed to sort out the contents in her bag and then sort out The Sat Nav for our journey back home, for what is our final away game of the season.

Louis sent a tweet praising Callum Reilly’s Performance, And I replied back with the following tweet,,,, I thought Callum Reilly was Gillingham's Man Of The Match For Gillingham Today, Unlucky not to score with that deflected effort in the second half, and Smith replied to both of us hoping that Gillingham will sign Callum Reilly on a permanent deal, most of the likes and comments I was getting were likes and comments for My Congratulations To Steve Lovell Tweet, And once Diane had sorted out The Sat Nav, we were on our way back to Kent, though we will be stopping off on the way back home for food and drink, we just need to leave Bristol because the traffic was hectic and we needed to get back on to The Motorway as soon as possible.

Now that we were on our way, I re-tweeted tweets from Mark Byrne, Jack Tucker and Gills Debate, And Nicholas had posted the following tweet,,,, When Lovell took over we were 23rd in the table, we had won just 1 of our opening 12 league games, and we had accumulated just 7 points. The main objective had to be to keep us up and we've secured our safety with a game to go. Credit to everyone involved, I then saw Liam’s tweet and decided to re-tweet that tweet and Gills In The Blood had predicted A 1-1 Draw and Elliott List was his predicted goal-scorer, Now If Gills In The Blood can tell us The National Lottery Numbers then that would be brilliant.

Matt had posted the video of The Gillingham Players being applauded by the supporters, who likewise, applauded the players for there efforts and the never say die attitude to earn Gillingham a point against Bristol Rovers, and Glen Johnson thanked The Gillingham Supporters for there support at The Memorial Stadium, And I then sent Rob the following tweet, Gillingham will be playing in League One Next Season Rob, No final day drama like last season, no waiting for six minutes after the full time whistle before we can celebrate Gillingham staying up, And Diane also got a nice present, Max Ehmer's Shirt.

I then re-tweeted the quote from Elliott List On Gillingham’s Official Twitter Account and the tweet from Luke O’Neill, And Stockport County had A 6,163 Attendance At Edgeley Park, A Record Attendance For The Sixth Tier Of English Football, I then asked for Gillingham Supporters to send me any questions they had for today’s match before re-tweeting a few quotes from Steve Lovell From Gillingham’s Official Twitter Account, and there was another quote from Elliott List, who was delighted to score his first ever goal for Gillingham Football Club, and it was a very important goal as well, because that goal from Elliott List secured Gillingham a valuable point against Bristol Rovers.

We stopped off at Membury Services at 7.15PM, we were going to stop off earlier before missing the turning for the previous Service Station, But Membury Services is close to halfway and we could stop off to get something to eat and drink, Diane got A Box Meal From KFC before getting A Ice Cream From Burger King, Shane and Ann got there meals from KFC, While I Brought A Bacon Double Cheese-Burger, Fries and A Coke For £8.50, and it took ages for anyone to get served at Burger King because there was only two members of staff serving people and cooking the food, So I was the last one to get my meal.

So we sat down at the table, and I checked Twitter to see I got responses from Rob and Lewis, and Lewis jokingly added that, Max Ehmer threw it into the crowd and Diane went flying to grab it. Must’ve battled about 5 people. You should’ve seen it., I responded back with the following response, Diane was first to the away players entrance determined to get a shirt, so your not wrong Lewis, Because it took so long for all of us to get served, it is a good thing that we do not have to dash back to the coach and we can take our time to sit down and eat our meals, because it took ages to get served and you got more room sitting at a table then sitting on the coach to eat your meal.

Before getting back into the car, I brought One 500ML Bottle Of Coca Cola For £2, And Me, Diane, Ann and Shane got back in the car at 7.45PM and we were back on the motorway again, Louis mentioned that he had seen The Ebbsfleet United Players At the Services, And I asked Louis the following question, Did you get the chance to speak to Danny Kedwell and Jack Payne???, Louis didn’t get to speak to Danny Kedwell or Jack Payne, but he did get the chance to speak with Andy Drury.

Simon then tweeted how Gillingham were relegation certainties under Adrian Pennock and now thanks to Steve Lovell Gillingham are safe, While Crystal Palace’s Youth Twitter Account sent the following tweet,,,, Great to see former #CPFCU18 winger Elliott List score his first professional goal today. Not all players will go on to be superstars. List has played regularly for Gillingham and done well, I then saw Rob’s tweet regarding Rob reconsidering buying A Season Ticket For Next Season because of the price hike from Student to Adult Season Ticket, I replied back with two tweets ONE: Gillingham have got to offer incentives for Season Ticket Holders to renew there Season Tickets For Next Season, Maybe Cut The Season Ticket Prices In Half and try and double or even triple our number of Season Tickets Holders inside Priestfield Stadium. AND TWO: But I do know 1-2 around me who are questioning whether they should re-new for next season, While I am looking to move seats and move closer to the back of The Medway Stand.

I am looking forward to when I move seats and actually do have my seat in the back of The Medway Stand, having to move around for spare seats towards the back and hoping the seats are vacant is a bit of hit and hope, once I have brought my seat I am then set with where I want to sit, For The Rotherham United, MK Dons, Doncaster Rovers and Blackburn Rovers Games, I had no problems finding seats, It was only for The Blackpool Game where there was a ticket deal was there a problem, Mark then mentioned that the ticket deal was unlikely and Season Ticket Prices might increase by ten or twenty pounds.

Thurrock also played there final ever match as Thurrock went under and I tagged as many Gillingham Supporters into that tweet as possible, Mark Stimson had done a decent job at Thurrock, got the team promoted and kept them up in a higher division, and it remains unclear on what happens next, maybe Thurrock can re-form and start over again, It must be extremely difficult on what happens next and what do Thurrock Supporters do now that the club they love is no longer in existence, I mentioned to Diane that Thurrock had gone under and this today was Thurrock’s Final Game, Former Gillingham Defender Simon King used to play for Thurrock when he was continuing playing in the semi professional game.

Rob and Lewis were then both speaking about Goalkeeper Squad Numbers and who will be wearing Number One For Next Season, And I replied back with the following response, I think Louie Catherall will be Gillingham's Third Choice Goalkeeper Next Season, 1. Tomas Holy, 13. Tom Hadler, 30. Louie Catherall, I cannot see Gillingham signing A Goalkeeper over the summer unless someone bids for Tomas Holy, and while there were rumours earlier on in the season, those rumours surrounding Tomas Holy appeared to have died down now.

Lewis had mentioned that Peter Lloyd had his name sung from the back of the coach and there was a speech as well - A Tradition For The Final Away Game Of The Season - I mentioned that Diane might do a little speech as well, But this is the final away game of the season and Ann is so pleased to have done them all, and I have had some luck being able to go to every game, like The Carlisle United Match being postponed and then re-arranged for the following Tuesday back in December, and those back to back mid-week fixtures against Northampton Town and Shrewsbury Town and Ann now wants to go to pre-season friendlies, I mentioned to Diane that Stephen has got his fingers crossed that Faversham Town V Gillingham appears on the pre-season friendly list, Because Stephen was gutted that he couldn’t make it to Faversham Town V Gillingham last year, And I like the matches against Local Kent Non League Opposition, Gillingham do a lot of traveling throughout the season, so being able to travel locally to watch Gillingham play is welcomed, also, Last Pre-Season saw over 1,000 attendances at Chatham Town and Faversham Town, that kind of gate revenue really does help Chatham Town and Faversham Town throughout the season.

I then asked Brad and James the following question,,,, Burton Albion and Bolton Wanderers are currently in the relegation zone in The Championship, Barnsley, Birmingham City and Reading are just hovering above the trap door, Who do you want to see in League One Next Season ??? - Brad wanted Birmingham, Sunderland and one other. New ground would be nice. Plus Burton staying up again would be huge, I think if Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City were relegated, then you would have Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Charlton Athletic, Portsmouth, Bradford City and Blackpool all in League One, and we would have games against Oxford United, Peterborough United, Southend United, and League One would be very competitive again next season, I also mentioned to Diane that if Burton Albion came down into League One, then I think they would struggle the following season, Because Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic had the finances available to bounce back into The Championship, I don’t think Burton Albion will be able to do what Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers have been able to do this season.

And the tweet I saw which grabbed the most attention Is The Football League AGM Voting On Match-Day Programme’s, Diane was shocked to hear that Football League Clubs are considering scrapping Match-Day Programme’s, I looked at the tweet again, And Football League Clubs have to print Match-Day Programme’s For Fixtures, I still buy Match-Day Programme’s and Diane likes buying her Match-Day Programme, Perhaps they will do an online version but it isn’t the same, and  many people prefer reading a hard copy, rather then reading online, also Match-Day Programme’s are part of The Football Tradition, I got a lot of responses to that tweet, with many supporters having a collection of match-day programme’s that stretch back for forty years.

Diane needed to fill her car up with £10’s worth of petrol before we took the scenic route back home, this meant going past Chatham Town, Gillingham Football Club and Holland’s & Blair’s Football Stadiums, Chatham Town also won 1-0 and I do wonder of Gillingham will play Chatham Town in pre-season again, because that pre-season friendly a year ago was well attended, and we had to buy tickets in advance for that fixture as well.

Diane then dropped me back off at my house at 10.15PM and this is it, the final away game of the season is done and dusted and at least Gillingham picked up a point and we only have one more fixture, A Home Game Against Plymouth Argyle before The 2017 / 2018 Season is finished, I double checked that I have paid my share of the fuel costs before grabbing my belongings and allowing Ann to sit in the front seat, Gillingham V Plymouth Argyle also kicks off at 5.30PM so that is going to be unusual compared to a traditional 3PM Kick Off Time, Thankfully, Gillingham have picked up a point against Bristol Rovers, and we will be hoping that Gillingham can end The 2017 / 2018 Season on a high with a win and three points against Plymouth Argyle - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hekto-k]

Велика вероятность того, что Фандорин первый русский, присутствоваший на матчах #bristolrovers #gasheads #brfc

[ukdetailersandvaletersdirectory]

@glos_detailing Season tickets bought and never one to turn down a photo opportunity UTG #glosdetailing #bristolrovers #brfc #upthegas #themem #bristolroversfc. #bristolrovers#caddy #caddy2k #vw

[yousayyesmissalice]

I can just about squeeze everybody in!! Group photo with family and friends at the very finish line :) emotions were high as were spirits!! Such an incredible journey, one i am very happy to have played a small part in. #walkforglo #headwaybristol #fundraising #bristolrovers #memorialground