Gillingham's Nationwide First Division status is secure after grinding out a
goalless draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Despite Walsall's 3-2 victory over Rotherham, the Gills scrambled to safety
after finishing the season level on points, but with superior goal difference to
the Saddlers.
It was anything but plain sailing for Andy Hessenthaler's men who carved out
several good goalscoring chances but looked fraught with nerves throughout.
Gillingham opted to run down the clock as soon as the news Walsall were 3-2 up
reached the players, but such negativity almost backfired as the Potters went in
search of a winning goal in the closing stages.
A combination of profligacy and good goalkeeping kept the Potters at bay, and
although it was far too close for comfort, Gills fans will not care less as
their side's future as a First Division side has been preserved for another
season.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who was in charge of the Gills between 1995 and 1999,
was desperate for a positive result against his former employers and it soon
became apparent his side were not there to make up the numbers - despite having
little to play for.
City midfielder Karl Henry, who signed a new one-year deal with the club last
week, fashioned the best chance of the opening exchanges with a fierce
long-range drive just wide of the target.
The visitors were not playing well, but sparked into life shortly after
Henry's effort when Nicky Southall's outswinging corner found the head of Barry
Ashby, who somehow missed the target from six yards.
Ashby's miss aside, Stoke remained the more likely to open the scoring and
John Halls almost did so after 24 minutes when his deft chip from the right
channel forced goalkeeper Steve Banks into a fine save low to his left.
But as the game wore on, the pendulum swung in favour of the visitors, and
Gillingham finished the first half with a flourish.
Patrick Agyemang's snap-shot forced Ed de Goey into a dazzling reflex save and
six minutes before the break, the former Holland international was in the thick
of the action again to deflect Chris Hope's header over the crossbar.
The second half ambled along listlessly until the news Walsall were winning
filtered around the Britannia Stadium.
Gillingham were understandably forced on the back foot and almost fell behind
shortly after the hour mark when Gifton Noel-Williams spurned a gilt-edged
opportunity from eight yards when he headed tamely wide.
Goalkeeper Steve Banks also played his part in maintaining parity with a
stunning one-handed save off Halls' scuffed drive which seemed destined for the
back of the net.
Banks' save inspired the visitors, who shut up shop and played out the closing
stages with admirable steel as referee George Cain signalled the end of the
contest - and the end of Gillingham's relegation fears.
Teams
Stoke de Goey, Halls, Thomas, Taggart, Marcus Hall,
Henry (Neal 70), Russell, Clarke, Commons (Hoekstra 71), Asaba,
Noel-Williams.
Subs Not Used: Cutler, Owen, Wilkinson.
Booked: Taggart.
Gillingham Banks, Cox, Ashby, Hope, Southall, Saunders,
Hessenthaler, Pouton (Spiller 67), Hills, Agyemang (Jarvis 85),
Wales (Sidibe 72).
Subs Not Used: Brown, Leon Johnson.
Att: 19,240
Ref: G Cain (Merseyside).
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