Gillingham 1 Milton Keynes Dons 5: League 2 match report from Priestfield Stadium

Gillingham were soundly beaten at home by Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday night - as fans voiced their displeasure.

The Gills conceded three goals in 18 first-half minutes. Alex Gilbey, Gethin Jones and Marvin Ekpiteta scored in the opening half and Ben Wiles added a fourth early in the second. Seb Palmer-Houlden got a goal back for the Gills late on but Liam Kelly bagged a fifth for the visitors.

Milton Keynes also struck the woodwork twice in the win, as the Gills continue to stumble towards the end of the season, with 10 more games left to play.

It’s the third team since the start of the year to beat the Gills at Priestfield by three goals or more.

Gillingham had the daunting task of facing the promotion-chasers and the division’s top scorers, with 10 senior players unavailable. The difference in class showed.

Robbie McKenzie and Sam Gale were missing following the weekend match against Fleetwood, and striker Josh Andrews also sat it out after picking up a 10th booking in that game.

It meant more minutes for recalled pair Shad Ogie and Jonny Williams, who was making his 100th appearance for the club, while Euan Williams got another start. Teenagers Michael Luxton and Louie Dayal were recalled from a loan at Sheppey United to fill up the bench.

The Gills had gone from looking okay numbers-wise a week previously to struggling for players. Many of those missing were because of muscle strains, which will be of concern. They lost another in this match as Ethan Coleman limped off in the second half.

Max Clark took the captain’s armband and the Gills started brightly enough, with Seb Palmer-Houlden forcing a save from keeper Crig MacGillivray, but MK were better in all areas.

The visitors took the lead on 15 minutes. Ogie had