Gills surrender lead to be defeated, as per usual!

By Jack Nolan
April 7 2007

Gills once again threw away a lead on the road for the eigth time this season, you would think people would learn! Gills did go behind after a Delroy Facey goal, but Felix Bastians equalised in impressive fashion then Crofts scored his second in as many games. But The Gills lost to two late goals.

Rotherham UTD.3.2.Gillingham FC
Millmoor Stadium
Coca-Cola Football League One
7/4/2007


On loan 'keeper Romain Larrieu was injured in the warm up to Gillingham’s key away day at Millmoor, meaning that Kelvin Jack would make a rare appearance between the sticks. Mark Bentley and team captain Mike Flynn also returned to the side.

The game started with both sides knowing a win was vital in their battles against the drop, and The Millers got off to the perfect start. Delroy Facey headed his 11th of the season following a Martin Woods cross.

The Gills equalised just after the twentieth minute when on loan Felix Bastians hit a stunning effort from 18 yards straight into the top corner of the Rotherham goal.

Just three minutes later, The Gills took the lead. Bastians who has impressed many during his short spell at the club turned provider when his cross found the head of Andrew Crofts who scored his second goal in as many games, making his season tally seven.

The Gills went in the happier side at the interval being a goal up.

The Gills held onto their lead until fifteen minutes from time when O'Grady latched onto Niel Cutlers goal kick.

Rotherham then kept some hope of staying in League One for another season when Newsham found the net from Woods' cross.

Rotherham held on for a key win. Defeat for Gillingham leaves them just six points off the drop, with a key home game with Bristol City on Monday.

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Ronnie Jepson

"We are not safe yet," said Jepson after the game, "and the players have something to prove to me as otherwise they may not be here next season.
"I am very disappointed and can't say what I have just aired in the dressing room.
"At 2-1 up I wanted us to get the ball down and pass it, but instead we went on the back foot and people didn't pick up their designated players.
"I've got no excuses. For some reason at 2-1 up we went into our shells and were fragile, as has been the case all season away from home.
"The lads were well prepared and knew what to expect, and they need to go out there and do the jobs they are paid for."
"It's my job to pick the players up now for the game against Bristol City on Monday," he added, "and we have got to be mentally stronger."