Sunderland 1-0 Gillingham: Luke O’Nien headed against the crossbar at the Stadium of Light before Nathan Broadhead scores stoppage-time winner

Gillingham were denied a point at Sunderland after conceding in the 95th minute.

Defences were on top during a goalless opening half and the Gills looked to be holding out at the Stadium of Light before Nathan Broadhead headed home at the death.

Defeat leaves the Gills two points above the relegation places.

Eight first team players were missing for Gillingham from a small squad and it meant a first start for youth team midfielder Josh Chambers, playing as captain Stuart O’Keefe missed out with injury. Just five substitutes from a possible seven were named.

Chambers ended up limping off after 70 minutes following a good shift on his full debut.

Gills keeper Aaron Chapman didn’t have a great deal to do in the opening half despite Sunderland having over 80% possession. The nearest the hosts got to scoring was when Luke O’Nien nodded a deep cross onto the top of the crossbar.

Just two shots on target in the first half for Sunderland was testament to Gillingham’s hard work defensively and the way they stayed solid for the majority.

The hosts didn’t give much away either, defending their box well, as Ryan Jackson hurled in a few long throws and Olly Lee had a corner that came to nothing.

Gillingham’s best chance fell to Charlie Kelman, the young striker letting the ball bounce once before having a go from an angle, aiming to beat the keeper at his near post. He wasn’t far off.

Gills keeper Chapman held onto a tame effort from Jack Clark, fisted clear a free-kick and beat away a shot from wide-man Patrick Roberts. A few times the hosts tried their luck from distance, Alex Pritchard getting closer to the goal than Clark’s wayward 30-yard drive.

Hard work had got the Gills to the halfway stage still in the game.

Going forward