Gillingham 1 Harrogate Town 2: League 2 match report from Priestfield Stadium - Tim Dieng’s goal cancelled out by Anthony O’Connor and Josh March goals

Gillingham conceded the advantage against lowly visitors Harrogate and tasted defeat on home soil.

Tim Dieng broke the deadlock early in the second half after a forgettable first 45 minutes but Gillingham’s lead was wiped out with goals from Anthony O’Connor and Josh March.

It was Gillingham manager Mark Bonner’s 39th birthday but there was nothing for him to celebrate on the final whistle at Priestfield. His team were booed at the end of the match.

Fans at the end were chanting “what a load of rubbish”.

It’s now seven defeats from 16 league games for the Gills - four of those losses coming at home.

Gillingham returned to league action for the first time since beating leaders Port Vale a fortnight earlier.

There were two changes to the starting line-up from that day, with injured Armani Little replaced in the eleven by Ethan Coleman and a change upfront as striker Elliott Nevitt returned from injury to take Jacob Wakeling’s spot.

Harrogate were backed by just 78 fans - many of them struggling to make the match due to wintry weather up in Yorkshire. The supporters’ coach was unable to get out of the yard.

Gillingham’s returning stryker Nevitt was in the thick of the action early on as the Gills started the match brightly.

The Gills felt they should have been awarded a penalty after 15 minutes when Marcus Wyllie went to ground after pressure from defender Anthony O’Connor but referee Matthew Russell waved play on - a decision that clearly annoyed Gills boss Mark Bonner.

Harrogate rarely threatened in the opening half. James Daly had a shot blocked and put another long-range effort wide.

There were a few half chances for the Gills and some decent build-up but they weren’t able to make the visitors pay in an opening half