Gillingham 0 Fleetwood Town 0: Charlie Kelman and Paddy Lane sent off in League 1 relegation scrap at Priestfield

Gillingham had to settle for a point from their relegation battle against Fleetwood Town.

Little separated the sides in the opening half, as quality was in short supply, and it remained a tense affair in the second, ending 10 versus 10 as Charlie Kelman and Paddy Lane were red carded as they challenged for the ball.

After two relatively solid seasons, Gillingham’s stay in the third-tier was once again under threat. Easter Monday’s game was the most important the club had played in some time.

The match was just as important for Fleetwood, starting the game a place and a point behind the Gills, occupying the last of the four relegation places in 21st place. With just one win in their last 17, the visitors were desperately short of points.

A big crowd turned out for the Gills, encouraged by discounted tickets and a new hope under boss Neil Harris. When he arrived in February the Gills were 10 points adrift of safety, 11 behind Fleetwood.

That renewed belief in the Gills made them favourites for the crunch clash but it was a tense start from the hosts as Fleetwood had the better of the early chances.

Ellis Harrison fired a half-volley narrowly wide and was then a whisker away from getting on the end of a couple of inviting crosses, close to converting from Harvey McAdam and Cian Hayes.

Charlie Kelman was closest for Gillingham as the home side warmed up as the half progressed. A cross from Ryan Jackson reached the striker but from close-range couldn’t get the contact he wanted and keeper Alex Cairns was relieved to make a block.

Cairns did well moments after that to stay on his feet and make it difficult for Kelman to get a shot away after Robbie McKenzie had dropped a ball into his path.

Referee James Linington had issued a