Gillingham 1 Colchester United 1: League 2 match report from Priestfield Stadium

Gillingham conceded a late penalty against Colchester United as their long wait for a home win goes on.

Sam Gale hit the woodwork early in the second half for Gillingham before Robbie McKenzie gave them the lead. The Gills were denied a much-needed win, however, when Arthur Read scored from the penalty spot with 87 minutes played to make it 1-1.

The Gills have drawn seven of their last eight matches and haven’t won at home since mid-September.

Gillingham’s leading goalscorer Bradley Dack and experienced striker Sam Vokes were among the changes from the team which started the Boxing Day fixture.

Conor Masterson made a welcome return from injury as manager Gareth Ainsworth switched back to a wing-back system. Striker Seb Palmer-Houlden returned to the eleven.

Ainsworth’s rotation was designed to keep his team fresh for the challenging festive period.

The opening half of the League 2 clash saw the Gills get plenty of balls into the Colchester box, either from Remeao Hutton’s numerous long throws or from crossing out wide, but a combination of good defending and poor deliveries meant visiting keeper Matt Macey wasn’t overly troubled.

Aaron Rowe went close on a couple of occasions from open play - with one deflected shot skimming the crossbar - and Armani Little fired over.

Colchester were always a threat on the break but wasted a couple of good chances, with Harry Anderson’s weak effort dealt with by Gills keeper Jake Turner and Micah Mbick also shooting tamely after running in on goal.

Turner had to make a couple of reflex saves from close-range, to keep out a ricochet off Jack Payne and a follow-up from Teddy Bishop. Lisbie was also denied from close range.

Gillingham reached the break with just the one shot on target,