Gills 1 (Jackson) v Yeovil Town 0
Fans streaming out from Priestfield at the final whistle must have been wondering why there was only the one solitary goal separating the two teams at the end of this game that was played out on a blustery and rainy evening.
Tuesday 24 November - League Division One - Report by GillsConnect Man on the Terrace
Wondering because of the numerous chances created but not converted, mainly from a lively Gillingham attack in the first half, and in the end it was just the tenth minute penalty scored by Simeon Jackson (pictured right) that earned all three.
Simeon Jackson was the only change to the Gills team from last Saturday with Stuart Lewis dropping to the subs bench. However, there was no hangover from the Bristol Rovers game as Gills started off in style winning every 50/50 ball and exciting the crowd with their forward play.
The high wind and wet surface made the conditions difficult for defenders and the Yeovil back four were twisted every which way by the Gills quick passing game with Simeon Jackson and strike partner Febian Brandy causing problems from the very beginning.
In the tenth minute, Gills captain Barry Fuller chipped a pass into the path of Febian Brandy who brought the ball under control in one sweeping movement, spinning Yeovil defender Stefan Stam, whose clattering challenge on the fast moving Gills striker brought him down in the area.
This was the third penalty earned by the on-loan Manchester United player in four games and the Priestfield crowd wondered who would take the spot kick, Curtis Weston or Simeon Jackson.
Regular penalty taker Simeon Jackson took control of the ball and although had seen two previous penalties saved, showed no sign of nerves, with a clever chip over the head of Yeovil goalie Alex McCarthy.
This was Simeon Jackson’s 12th goal of the season and with such a start the crowd were looking forward to Gills increasing their lead, as they were looking dangerous every time they attacked. Gills pressed hard for a second goal.
Andy Barcham twice came close in quick succession and Yeovil were thankful that goalkeeper McCarthy was in good form as he produced a superb double save from Febian Brandy and Chris Palmer.
On 22 minutes, there was a moment of magic when Febian Brandy (pictured left) danced around the tormented Yeovil defence and hit a screamer that bounced off the crossbar.
If it had gone in it would have been a contender for goal of the season.
Worried Yeovil’s player manager, Terry Skiverton, made a substitution after Febian’s near wonder goal and introduced a robust striker in Sam Williams.
He also switched Yeovil to a conventional 4-4-2 that began to contain the Gills attacks and in turn Yeovil began to come more into the match.
Half time arrived with the Priestfield crowd a little apprehensive that their numerous chances had not been converted into more goals. Yeovil had shown that they were more than capable to score and a one-goal lead is often never enough.
The early second half play was fairly even but only went to increase the fears of the home crowd that the game was far from a convincing Gills victory.
A second goal was required and very nearly arrived on the hour when the diving Alex McCarthy in the Yeovil goal tipped a brilliantly taken free kick by Barry Fuller onto the post.
Yeovil were still looking to get something from the game and showed they were more than capable forcing Simon Royce to claw a header from Williams over his bar.
Matt Fry and sponsors man of the match, Josh Gowling, (right) were outstanding in the middle of the Gills defence and were called upon often during the second half as Yeovil tried to find ways to test Simon Royce.
However, Yeovil's threat pretty much ended when they were reduced to ten men when Kalala was shown a second yellow for a particularly bad two-footed foul on Kevin Maher. Kalala didn't wait for the card, as he knew what was coming and walked off to a chorus of boos from the Medway Stand. He had picked up two bookings in seven minutes for fouls on Febian Brandy and Kevin Maher.
Simeon Jackson nearly grabbed his second of the night as he cut out a cross but was denied by a Yeovil defender’s last-ditch tackle.
The Gills deserved the 1-0 result but on the opening 25 minutes, with Gills having twelve attempts on goal, it could, and possibly should, have been more than the single penalty strike.
Gills: Simon Royce; Barry Fuller; Josh Gowling; Matt Fry; Chris Palmer; Mark Bentley; Kevin Maher; Curtis Weston; Andy Barcham; Febian Brandy (Dennis Oli 90) and Simeon Jackson.
Unused subs: Alan Julian; Stuart Lewis; John Nutter; Luke Rooney; Jack Payne and Mark McCammon.
Attendance: 4,440