Gillingham 2 Barrow 2: League 2 match report from Priestfield Stadium

Gillingham surrendered a two-goal lead at Priestfield, settling for a draw against lowly Barrow.

Jack Earing’s own-goal and Aaron Rowe’s first of the season put Gillingham two goals up after a dominant opening half but Barrow fought back with Josh Gordon scoring twice after the break, the match ended 2-2.

Gillingham had been in almost total control during an impressive first 45 minutes but Barrow’s goal back led to a more nervy second-half at Priestfield and the visitors equalised with seven minutes remaining.

It’s now five straight draws in League 2 for the Gills, who haven’t won at home sin

Manager Gareth Ainsworth made just one change to the team which started the week before at Colchester, keeping faith with the same shape as they lined up with wing-backs again.

Elliott Nevitt was preferred upfront to Seb Palmer-Houlden and he signalled his return to the eleven by creating the opening goal.

Nevitt had put one chance wide moments before winning the ball off Charlie McCann and then sending in a low cross that Jack Earing diverted past his own keeper.

The opening goal was clocked at 25 minutes and three minutes later it was 2-0.

Aaron Rowe turned a defender inside out before firing a low shot across the keeper to double the lead.

Nevitt could have made it 3-0 soon after, as he met Garath McCleary’s cross at the near post, but nudged the ball wide of the mark, ending up in the net himself and needing treatment to a wrist injury.

Visitors Barrow had axed their head coach Andy Whing three days earlier, after a poor run of form left them 18th in the table. Experienced coach Neil McDonald had taken charge as caretaker boss - hoping for a result to boost his hopes of getting the gig on a permanent basis.

McDonald’s inherited