Walsall 1 Gillingham 1: League 2 match report from the Bescot Poundland Stadium

Gillingham showed fight and desire at Walsall as they took a point off the league leaders.

The Gills raised the intensity levels for the midweek trip to Walsall but a positive opening half came to nothing. Jamille Matt scored the home side’s opener shortly after the restart before Robbie McKenzie levelled with a stunner.

It was a well-earned point from the Gills in a game few gave them hope of getting anything from. They finished the game pushing for a winner that just wouldn’t come.

Gillingham’s weekend loss at Barrow led to the manager accusing the players of not trying, the chairman proclaiming his embarrassment and the club reevaluating i whole approach to recruitment.

While managing director Joe Comper was tasked with compiling a blueprint for Gillingham’s future “vision” by the end of this week, there was another match to overcome - this time facing the league leaders.

Gillingham gave a good account of themselves in the opening half at the Bescot Stadium, showing plenty of determination early on, even if they still lacked the goalscoring threat.

Coleman had questioned the lack of desire after the defeat at Barrow and how Gillingham players would respond to such public criticism was a big question heading into the match.

Coleman had also named a new captain, with Armani Little taking on the responsibility from Max Ehmer, who retained his place in he back line.

There were three changes to the team with Remeao Hutton and Max Clark returning to the defence, in a 3-5-2 formation, and recent addition Dom Corness coming in for his first start.

Corness is renowned for his passing ability but he showed he could battle too as he got stuck in from the off in his role behind the front two of Joe Gbode and Elliott Nevitt.

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