Gillingham 2 Leeds 1 - report

By Andy Baggott
August 10 2004

Leeds slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Gillingham this evening. BBoss Kevin Blackwell named an unchanged side, but they never quite rose to the levels of Saturdays win.

The home side got a perfect start when Byfields shot on 4 minutes deflected off Butler and found the back of the net. Leeds started to push a bit more, and Ricketts couldn't quite direct the header. Byfield nearly doubled the lead, but his effort hit the bar. Leeds almost levelled late on in the half - Kilgallon's effort was well saved, Joachim's follow up was cleared off the line. Just before the break, Roberts hit the second, leaving Leeds with a mountain to climb. The second half was more of the same - Leeds struggling to make inroads. Blackwell took on Ricketts and Walton, bringing on Deane and Guppy, and it was the former Leicester man who got Leeds back into the game. His cross was met by Pugh, now playing centre midfield for his first goal. It was too little too latre though, and Gillingham held out with few scares to hold out for a 2-1 win