Gillingham found it tough going against lowly Harrogate Town but came away with a point from the League 2 clash.
It was a first ever visit to Harrogate’s Wetherby Road ground for the Gills - backed by over 600 away fans - and the match ended goalless between two sides in need of points to pull clear of trouble.
Gills were looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat against Bradford and manager Neil Harris went with positive-looking team, with Tom Nichols returning upfront to support big striker Oli Hawkins.
There was no place in the squad for new signing Lewis Page while midfielder Dom Jefferies wasn’t involved. A big miss against Bradford was midfielder Tim Dieng and he came straight back in following a six-day concussion lay-off.
This was a big one for both teams in their fight to avoid the drop. With no wins in six, Harrogate were sinking towards trouble, just below the Gills and just above the drop-zone.
The Gills made a bright start and Aiden O’Brien had a chance inside the opening minute, chipping a defender with a great first touch but then volleying over with his second off a Cheye Alexander cross.
Gillingham’s best early moments were going through O’Brien, playing on the left and linking up well with David Tutonda. His second attempt at goal lacked the power to beat the home keeper but moments later he put Tutonda in down the side and goalie Mark Oxley was unable to collect. The ball was hacked clear by Tom Eastman.
Harrogate started to get themselves into the game after that first 10 minute spell and by half-time were unlucky not to have been infront.
Alexander was in the right place to block a header from Jack Muldoon after Morris was unable to claim a cross, the Town player had the time to take the ball down
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All Kent Sport
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League 2
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Neil Harris
Luke Cawdell
Tom Nichols
Oli Hawkins
Dom Jefferies
Tim Dieng