Grimsby Town 1 Gillingham 1: League 2 match report from Blundell Park

Gillingham were denied a first win under John Coleman after conceding a last-minute goal at Grimsby Town.

A sliced clearance from Grimsby defender Doug Tharme handed the Gills the lead in the opening half. Gillingham were twice denied by the woodwork after the break, during an impressive second 45 minutes, but Danny Rose struck in the 97th minute to equalise.

Reaction: Coleman takes the blame

Tuesday’s League 2 fixture was a meeting of two out-of-form teams - the side from Kent backed by just over 100 hardy fans, many of whom enjoyed a free pre-match drink courtesy of Gills’ co-owner Shannon Galinson.

Gillingham were looking to end a six-game winless run and a first under John Coleman while Grimsby were without a win in four.

Grimsby had won 1-0 at Priestfield back in October, when the Gills were sitting top of the division. It was a result that started a five-game losing streak and a slide down the table.

The Gills started the game at Blundell Park 17th in the table.

Gillingham boss Coleman made three changes to the starting line-up from the weekend draw at Tranmere and made a switch of formation, with Jack Nolan and Asher Agbinone flanking Joe Gbode upfront in a 4-3-3 set-up.

Nolan looked bright in the new role, having previously been deployed as a left wing-back. It was his cross that led to Tharme spectacularly slicing the ball into his own net with 35 minutes gone.

Sam Gale had been a surprise starter in defence for the Gills and didn’t look out of place, picked for the first time by the new boss, while Agbinone returned from a back injury and Gbode won a recall after a watching brief on the Saturday, picked to lead the line.

Bradley Dack had been dropped to the bench, which wasn’t a shock, after he did the