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fan-of-mulligan · 4 years ago

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FOM BLOG: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-2 GILLINGHAM

My Thoughts On Bristol Rovers V Gillingham…….

The Memorial Stadium has been a good football stadium for Gillingham to travel to in recent season’s, Gillingham drew 1-1 against Bristol Rovers In The 2019 / 2020 Season With Tom O’Connor scoring a late equaliser, Gillingham won 2-1 against Bristol Rovers in The 2018 / 2019 Season, With Elliott List and Callum Reilly getting themselves on the score-sheet, Callum Reilly then got sent off and Liam Sercombe scored a sensational free kick for Bristol Rovers to half the deficit and Gillingham had to survive eight minutes of additional time to held on for three valuable points, and the final away game of The 2017 / 2018 Season saw Elliott List score a stoppage time equaliser which saw Gillingham retain there League One Status, And although Gillingham have drawn two of our three visit’s to Bristol Rovers, Gillingham really can do with picking up all three points against Bristol Rovers to start opening up a gap between ourselves and The League One Relegation Zone.

I thought Bristol Rovers were going to be dark horses to challenge for A League One Playoff Place This Season, Ben Garner had signed the likes of Jack Baldwin, Zain Westbrooke, Josh Grant, Ben Liddle, Ali Koiki, Erhun Oztumer, and of course, Max Ehmer and Brandon Hanlan, two players we were hoping to see extend there stay at Gillingham Football Club, Bristol Rovers paid substantial compensation to sign Brandon Hanlan, where as Max Ehmer wanted the security of a two year contract because Gillingham were unable to offer contracts to players because of the uncertainty regarding when The 2020 / 2021 Season was going to start, However, despite recruiting plenty of high profile players, a disappointing start to the season has seen Ben Garner replaced by Paul Tisdale, And Paul Tisdale will have the challenge of trying to keep Bristol Rovers in League One first and full-most and looking to implement his own idea’s which will of course take time.

And both teams come into this fixture off the back of contrasting FA Cup Results, Bristol Rovers won 6-0 against Darlington and Gillingham lost 3-2 against Exeter City, And Bristol Rovers will play against Sheffield United At The Memorial Stadium In The FA Cup Third Round, A Match which will surely be televised and had supporters been able to go to this match in normal circumstances, then this match would have completely sold out, even in normal league matches, Bristol Rovers would be getting 6,000 - 7,000 attendances inside The Memorial Stadium.

But the one thing we want to see from Gillingham in this match is a response, the performance can be as disappointing as it was against Crewe Alexandra, But if Gillingham have to smash and grab this match to win 1-0, then I will take that scenario any day of the week, Because a win for Bristol Rovers will see them close the gap on Gillingham to just one point and we’re are looking over our shoulder at the relegation zone, If Gillingham win, then Gillingham increase the gap to seven points and we will have seen a response from Gillingham after that disappointing FA Cup Second Round Defeat Against Exeter City.

Eventually, Gillingham’s Team News Was Announced On Social Media, And Gillingham Lined Up As Follows,,,,,,, Jack Bonham, Ryan Jackson, Jack Tucker, Connor Ogilvie, Tom O’Connor, Robbie McKenzie, Scott Robertson, Kyle Dempsey, Dominic Samuel, John Akinde, Vadaine Oliver Substitutes: Joe Walsh (GK), Declan Drysdale, Josh Eccles, Henry Woods, Matty Willock, Alex MacDonald and Trae Coyle - Tom O’Connor returns to the starting line up having missed the last few matches having picked up an injury whilst on International Duty With The Republic Of Ireland U21’s, But the big news has to be John Akinde, Dominic Samuel and Vadaine Oliver all starting alongside each other in attack, now lining up with three strikers up-front away from home is very adventurous, I did wonder if Gillingham were lining up with three strikers because Bristol Rovers have normally lined up with three centre back’s and Gillingham are looking to match up three verses three in what will be a very interesting battle between John Akinde, Vadaine Oliver and Dominic Samuel verses Max Ehmer, Jack Baldwin and Ed Upson ???

I had I Follow all set up ready and waiting for kick off, and at least this match kicks off at 7PM, And I think the inconsistencies regarding kick off times for mid-week matches has been infuriating, 5.30PM, 6PM, 6.30PM And 7PM, And if your A Season Ticket Holder who has paid for there Season Ticket and you cannot watch the mid-week matches that kick off at 5.30PM or 6PM, then your not going to be pleased with the home games that you are unable to watch because of kick off times constantly being changed for mid-week matches, I can understand the reasoning as to why Gillingham are kicking off at 1PM on A Saturday Afternoon instead of kicking off at 3PM, but mid-week matches have been kicked off at different times and there seems to be less of a understanding on why this is the case.

Both teams were out on to the pitch ready and waiting for kick off inside The Memorial Stadium, Hopefully, Gillingham can put the disappointing 3-2 defeat against Exeter City behind us by responding with a win against Bristol Rovers, and a win which would move Gillingham up The League One Table and further away from the relegation zone - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!

FIRST HALF:

And the first noteworthy moment of the match see’s Josh Grant header the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw On right on the halfway line in-between both managerial dugouts, and it is from this throw on where Gillingham manage to win themselves the first corner kick of the match, Ryan Jackson throws the ball long down the line and Luke Leahy wins the initial aerial challenge and Robbie McKenzie wins the second aerial challenge to header the ball forwards, and although Luke McCormick wins the third aerial challenge, The Bristol Rovers Midfielder can only header the ball straight into Scott Robertson’s Path, And Scott Robertson gets the ball under control before looking to pick out Vadaine Oliver with a threaded through-ball, But Jack Baldwin had tracked back and kicked the ball out of play for A Gillingham Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Scott Robertson whips in a low cross towards the near post which wasn’t the best cross it has to be said, But Josh Grant has headed the ball out of play for another Gillingham Corner Kick, And Scott Robertson can try again at the second attempt, and from the second corner kick, Scott Robertson whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the near post and Connor Ogilvie’s looping header goes well over the crossbar and out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

As for how Gillingham are lining up in this match, Jack Bonham, Ryan Jackson, Jack Tucker, Connor Ogilvie and Tom O’Connor are Gillingham’s Back Five, Robbie McKenzie is playing in the central defensive midfielder role, Scott Robertson and Kyle Dempsey are lining up alongside each other in central midfield with Dominic Samuel playing in The Central Attacking Midfielder Role, And John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver are playing alongside each other in attack, Gillingham have switched to A 4-4-2 Diamond Midfield Formation, and this switch coincides with Jordan Graham being unavailable because of injury, The diamond midfield formation was the backbone of Gillingham’s success in The 2019 / 2020 Season, can the diamond help Gillingham to pick up all three points against Bristol Rovers at The Memorial Stadium ??? - Only time will tell.

Three Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham have a throw on down the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Half Of The Pitch, And From The Resulting Throw On, Ryan Jackson throws the ball short to Robbie McKenzie, who takes a few touches in possession of the ball, And Robbie McKenzie’s threaded pass through to John Akinde is over-hit and runs all the way through to Anssi Jaakkola In The Bristol Rovers Goal, Vadaine Oliver is then penalised for his challenge on Luke McCormick on the halfway line and Bristol Rovers have been awarded a free kick, and from the resulting free kick, Bristol Rovers pass the ball across there back four from right to left, And Luke Leahy has possession of the ball down the left side of the pitch, And Luke Leahy’s long ball down-field towards Brandon Hanlan is to long and runs all the way through to Jack Bonham, and from here, Gillingham were looking to cause Bristol Rovers a few problems defensively as Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde looks to try and flick the ball on towards Dominic Samuel, But Luke Leahy shields the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

Five Minutes Into The Match, And Dominic Samuel’s cross from the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third is blocked by Luke Leahy and the ball deflects out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, And From The Resulting Throw On, Gillingham create a half chance to try and open the scoring, Ryan Jackson throws the ball short to John Akinde, who manages to retain possession of the ball before passing the ball back out-wide to Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver’s glancing header was going wide of the far left post and Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola gathers the ball with ease, But despite that half chance not creating a meaningful goal-scoring opportunity, Gillingham were looking to open the scoring in the next passage of play, Anssi Jaakkola rolls the ball out-wide to Josh Hare, who was pressured by Scott Robertson to kick the ball long down-field and the ball runs through to Jack Bonham, who kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde wins the aerial battle to flick the ball on towards Vadaine Oliver, who’s first time shot towards goal clears Bristol Rovers crossbar by some considerable distance - Although, It has to be mentioned that I thought the last touch had come off Josh Hare and Gillingham should have been awarded a corner kick.

Eleven Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham create a very good opportunity to try and open the scoring, Ed Upson’s pass forwards towards Sam Nicholson on the centre circle is intercepted by Robbie McKenzie, And Robbie McKenzie runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball square to Dominic Samuel, And Dominic Samuel takes one touch to control the ball and another touch to thread a pass through to Robbie McKenzie, who had continued his run forwards inside Bristol Rovers’s Penalty Area down the right side of the pitch, And Robbie McKenzie whips in a dangerous cross first time across the face of goal and John Akinde cannot make any contact on the ball and the chance had gone for The Gills, However, Bristol Rovers turned defence into attack because Josh Grant passes the ball centrally to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson passes the ball out-wide to Erhun Oztumer down the left side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Half, And Erhun Oztumer runs into a more central position on the pitch in possession of the ball before picking out Luke McCormick with a cross-field pass, And Luke McCormick gets the ball under control before passing the ball through to Luke Leahy on the over-lap, And Luke Leahy passes the ball back to Luke McCormick, who passes the ball back to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson passes the ball back to Jack Baldwin, And Jack Baldwin takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball forwards to Erhun Oztumer, And Erhun Oztumer takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Luke McCormick, And Luke McCormick kicks the ball towards Brandon Hanlan on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Brandon Hanlan lays the ball off to Sam Nicholson, who runs forwards in possession of the ball inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Sam Nicholson fires his effort towards goal across the face of goal and Sam Nicholson’s shot flashes across the face of goal and wide of the far right corner of the net with Jack Bonham diving at full stretch - Gillingham and Bristol Rovers have both created clear cut goal-scoring opportunities at either end of the pitch, But Sam Nicholson’s chance was the better of the two chances.

Thirteen Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham created a decent opportunity to open the scoring, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde brings the ball under control with his chest before passing the ball square to Kyle Dempsey down the right side of the pitch, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball back to Ryan Jackson, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down-field and Scott Robertson wins the first aerial challenge and Jack Baldwin wins the second aerial challenge to header the ball clear and away from danger and Erhun Oztumer passes the ball back to Luke Leahy, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down the line towards Brandon Hanlan, who manages to retain possession of the ball despite pressure from Jack Tucker, But Ryan Jackson challenges Brandon Hanlan and pokes the ball back to Jack Tucker, who takes a touch to control the ball and kick the ball long down-field, and Vadaine Oliver wins the aerial challenge to flick the ball on towards Dominic Samuel, And Max Ehmer’s defensive header hits Dominic Samuel, and the ball deflects into John Akinde’s Path, And John Akinde see’s his initial shot towards goal blocked by Max Ehmer and the ball ricochets back to John Akinde, And John Akinde see’s his second shot towards goal blocked by Josh Hare and still John Akinde has possession of the ball for The Gills, And John Akinde passes the ball back to Kyle Dempsey on the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey works his way into a shooting position before curling a low shot centrally towards goal which was comfortable for Anssi Jaakkola to save in goal for Bristol Rovers.

Fifteen Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers were looking to make the breakthrough, Josh Hare has possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch just in Gillingham’s Half Of The Pitch, And Josh Hare passes the ball inside centrally to Ed Upson, Who gets the ball under control and passes the ball out-wide to Josh Hare, And Josh Hare passes the ball forwards towards Josh Grant, who passes the ball back to Ed Upson, who takes a few touches in possession of the ball, And Ed Upson passes the ball forwards towards Erhun Oztumer, who plays a first time pass through to Sam Nicholson, And Sam Nicholson is through on goal inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Sam Nicholson’s shot towards goal takes a deflection off Connor Ogilvie and the ball goes wide of the near post and out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick - And Sam Nicholson came very close to opening the scoring for Bristol Rovers There - And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and the ball ricochets off Vadaine Oliver and Robbie McKenzie just boots the ball clear and away from danger, and Ed Upson headers the ball square to Josh Hare, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking a diagonal cross-field cross towards Max Ehmer, who headers the ball down towards Sam Nicholson inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Sam Nicholson gets the ball under control before laying the ball off to Luke McCormick, And Luke McCormick’s low shot towards goal is routinely saved by Jack Bonham In The Gillingham Goal.

And In The Seventeenth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham had a half chance to try and open the scoring, Gillingham have a throw on down the right side of the pitch just inside Bristol Rovers Half Of The Pitch, And Ryan Jackson throws the ball long down the line and Vadaine Oliver wins the initial aerial challenge and Ed Upson headers the ball partially clear and away from danger, However, Kyle Dempsey wins the fifty / fifty challenge and the ball ricochets into Dominic Samuel’s Path, And Dominic Samuel manages to pick out Tom O’Connor down the left side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And Tom O’Connor takes a touch to control the ball and another touch to whip in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and John Akinde’s low pull-back across the face of goal hits Jack Baldwin and Anssi Jaakkola dives on to the loose ball for Bristol Rovers, John Akinde, Dominic Samuel and Scott Robertson were all appealing for a penalty kick for Gillingham, and those penalty appeals were waved away, and also, I don’t think it was a penalty kick for Gillingham, The Penalty Kick John Akinde got against Charlton Athletic may have looked soft, But John Akinde was clearly tripped inside the penalty area in that match, this penalty appeal however isn’t a controversial decision and I don’t see anything in that to suggest it was a penalty for Gillingham.

But from here, Bristol Rovers were looking to open the scoring as Anssi Jaakkola kicks the ball long down-field and Jack Tucker wins the initial aerial challenge and Erhun Oztumer manages to pick out Sam Nicholson with a first time pass down the line and Sam Nicholson is through on goal down the left side of the penalty area - Gillingham’s Right - And Tom O’Connor is sticking with Sam Nicholson, However, Sam Nicholson cuts inside, inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area before skilfully evading the challenge from Tom O’Connor, And Sam Nicholson has fired his shot towards goal over the crossbar at the near post - AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR BRISTOL ROVERS TO OPEN THE SCORING!!!!!!

And In The Twenty Second Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers had the chance to open the scoring again, Josh Hare has possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch, And Josh Hare passes the ball square to Josh Grant, who passes the ball square to Erhun Oztumer, And Erhun Oztumer takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball forwards towards Sam Nicholson, who plays a return pass back into Erhun Oztumer’s Path, And Erhun Oztumer passes the ball out-wide to Luke Leahy down the left side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Luke Leahy fires in a low dangerous cross and Brandon Hanlan cannot get the ball under control and the loose ball almost falls kindly into Sam Nicholson’s Path but Tom O’Connor manages to header the ball partially clear and away from danger, however, Luke McCormick has scuffed his first time effort towards goal wide of the far left post - But Bristol Rovers are just starting to ask more questions of Gillingham defensively at this moment in time.

Twenty Four Minutes Into The Match, And Tom O’Connor’s in-swinging cross is charged down by Josh Hare at the expense of conceding a throw on for Gillingham in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Gillingham created a decent goal-scoring opportunity, Connor Ogilvie hurls in a long dangerous throw and Josh Hare can only header the ball clear towards the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area and Dominic Samuel’s first time volleyed effort towards goal was heading towards the bottom right corner of the net and Anssi Jaakkola had to dive low quickly to save and then gather the ball at the second attempt to preserve the 0-0 score-line - And Dominic Samuel was so unlucky not to open the scoring for Gillingham There.

Bute despite almost taking the lead with that chance from Dominic Samuel, Bristol Rovers almost opened the scoring with the next passage of play, Anssi Jaakkola kicks the ball long down-field and Jack Tucker wins the aerial challenge up against Brandon Hanlan, however, Luke McCormick is on to the second ball, And Luke McCormick passes the ball forwards to Sam Nicholson, Who looks to turn into a more central position just outside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, But Sam Nicholson turns back on himself, and this creates some space for Sam Nicholson to unleash a fiercely driven effort just wide of the far left post, And Sam Nicholson has been the player to watch out for the home side, Because Sam Nicholson has already had a few efforts on goal which have fortunately failed to hit the back of the net.

But the next passage of play does see Gillingham stick the ball into the back of the net and open the scoring in this competitive League One Fixture, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and Jack Baldwin wins the initial aerial challenge up against Vadaine Oliver and Ryan Jackson wins the aerial challenge up against Brandon Hanlan and Kyle Dempsey flicks the ball on towards Scott Robertson, who manages to hook the ball over his shoulder and pick out Dominic Samuel with a unorthodox pass, And Dominic Samuel flicks the ball on towards Vadaine Oliver and Vadaine Oliver’s attempted pass through to John Akinde is blocked by Max Ehmer and Luke Leahy passes the ball forwards towards Luke McCormick, And Luke McCormick passes the ball back towards Jack Baldwin, And Jack Baldwin passes the ball out-wide to Luke Leahy, who takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down the line and Brandon Hanlan manages to retain possession of the ball momentarily when protecting the ball between himself and Jack Tucker, But Ryan Jackson manages to regain possession of the ball for The Gills before passing the ball back towards Jack Tucker, And Jack Tucker has kicked the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver manages to get on to the end of Jack Tucker’s long pass and Vadaine Oliver has the strength to get to the ball ahead of Max Ehmer and Vadaine Oliver shows great composure to chip the ball past Anssi Jaakkola with a neat first time finish and Gillingham have taken the lead at The Memorial Stadium - BRISTOL ROVERS 0-1 GILLINGHAM.

When Gillingham drew 1-1 against Charlton Athletic at Priestfield Stadium, I was talking about Vadaine Oliver’s one on one effort being saved by Ben Amos and big moments in matches can change football matches one way or the other, and in that match, If Vadaine Oliver scored for 2-0, then Gillingham would have been in a fantastic position to pick up all three points, But this goal from Vadaine Oliver against Bristol Rovers is a big goal in a big moment, Because Gillingham have taken the lead against A Bristol Rovers Side who can move to just one point behind The Gills if they can win against Gillingham, But a win for Gillingham will move Gillingham seven points clear of Bristol Rovers, this goal wasn’t a thirty yard screamer, it wasn’t a over-head kick, But this is a very important goal that Vadaine Oliver has scored to give Gillingham the lead against Bristol Rovers.

Twenty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Luke McCormick is penalised for fouling Ryan Jackson, and from the resulting free kick, Gillingham had the chance to go 2-0 up, Kyle Dempsey whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and John Akinde’s first time effort towards goal clears Bristol Rovers Crossbar and the ball goes out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick - Very difficult technique for John Akinde to get that effort on goal on target, But 2-0 would have put Gillingham in a strong position to pick up all three points.

Twenty Nine Minutes Into The Match, And Jack Baldwin is penalised for his challenge on Dominic Samuel right on the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area down the right side of the pitch, and from the resulting free kick, Kyle Denpsey whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Max Ehmer headers the ball partially clear and away from goal and Sam Nicholson smashes the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, Which See’s Tom O’Connor throw the ball long down the line and Vadaine Oliver wins the initial aerial challenge and Max Ehmer boots the ball clear and Tom O’Connor headers the ball forwards towards Vadaine Oliver, who flicks the ball on towards John Akinde, And John Akinde manages to retain possession of the ball before passing the ball short to Vadaine Oliver, who passes the ball out-wide to Dominic Samuel down the left side of the pitch, And Dominic Samuel manages to pick out Kyle Dempsey with a pass towards the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball back short to Robbie McKenzie, And Robbie McKenzie manages to pick out Ryan Jackson with a pass out-wide down the right side of the pitch, And Ryan Jackson waits for passing options before managing to pick out Robbie McKenzie with a pass on the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, And Robbie McKenzie’s first time curling effort towards goal goes just wide of the far left post, AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO GO 2-0 UP!!!!! - Difficult to say if Anssi Jaakkola had that effort on goal covered because The Bristol Rovers Goalkeeper had dived at full stretch, But that was a sensational strike from Robbie McKenzie though.

Thirty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers manage to win themselves a corner kick, Luke Leahy has possession of the ball down the left side of the pitch, And Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards Brandon Hanlan and Jack Tucker has to header the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver headers the ball partially clear and away from danger and Erhun Oztumer is first to the loose ball on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Erhun Oztumer passes the ball short to Luke McCormick and Scott Robertson has put in a very strong robust challenge on The Bristol Rovers Midfielder and the ball ricochets towards Erhun Oztumer, who runs out-wide down the left side of the pitch in possession of the ball before passing the ball short to Jack Baldwin, who gets the ball under control before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Connor Ogilvie manages to header the ball clear and away from goal momentarily, however, Ed Upson is on to the loose ball and Ed Upson passes the ball out-wide to Josh Grant, who passes the ball back to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson tries to pick out Brandon Hanlan with a lofted crosses inside Gillingham’s Penalty Areas But Jack Tucker was in the right place at the right time to kick the ball clear and away from danger, And once there was a stoppage in play because John Akinde was penalised for his foul on Luke McCormick In Bristol Rovers Final Third, There was a stoppage in play because Luke McCormick requires some treatment from the physio’s, and after getting some treatment, Luke McCormick is back on his feat again and Bristol Rovers may well hope that Luke McCormick can get through to half time before getting properly assessed at the break.

In The Thirty Ninth Minute Of The Match, Ryan Jackson runs down the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And Ryan Jackson’s cross is charged down by Jack Baldwin at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Gillingham had the chance to double there lead to 2-0, Kyle Dempsey whips in a high and hanging corner kick towards the back-stick and Vadaine Oliver has headed the ball wide of the far left post and I thought the ball had gone out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal Kick, However, Referee Scott Oldham has awarded a corner kick to Gillingham (maybe the final touch came off Jack Baldwin perhaps ???) and it is from this corner kick where Gillingham almost scored for 2-0, Kyle Dempsey passes the ball short to Scott Robertson, who gets the ball under control before playing a return pass back towards Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey curls a cross / shot towards goal from the edge of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area and Kyle Dempsey’s cross / shot towards goal curls just wide of the far right post, and if that cross / shot from Kyle Dempsey was on target then Gillingham would have scored for 2-0 - A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR GILLINGHAM TO SCORE - Also, any touch off Upson, Grant or Baldwin would have seen one of those three players for Bristol Rovers inadvertently divert the ball into the back of there own net because the penalty area was so crowded that any touch on the ball would have been enough for Gillingham to double there lead.

Forty One Minutes Into The Match, And Luke McCormick tries to pick out Brandon Hanlan with a long kick down-field, And Luke McCormick’s long kick towards Brandon Hanlan is too long and the ball runs through to Jack Bonham just inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And In The Forty Third Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers were pushing for the equaliser, Because Sam Nicholson has possession of the ball roughly twenty five yards from goal, And Sam Nicholson manages to pick out Josh Hare with a threaded pass down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Josh Hare has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross first time and Connor Ogilvie has to header the ball over his own crossbar at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the near post and Josh Grant has flicked the ball across Gillingham’s Penalty Area And Robbie McKenzie has smashed the ball clear and away from danger - anywhere will do as far as Gillingham are concerned.

And In The Forty Fifth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham had the chance to go 2-0 up, Ryan Jackson manages to pick out Vadaine Oliver with a long ball down-field and Vadaine Oliver gets to the ball down the right side of Bristol Rovers Penalty Area, And Vadaine Oliver manages to keep the ball in play by hooking the ball across Bristol Rovers Penalty Area and John Akinde’s shot towards goal is blocked by Max Ehmer and Anssi Jaakkola dives on to the loose ball and was able to gather the ball at the second attempt - And John Akinde had a half chance there to double Gillingham’s lead to 2-0 just before half time.

And just as we are into first half stoppage time, Bristol Rovers were looking to score the equaliser before the half time interval, Josh Hare see’s his low cross across the six yard box cleared out of play by Connor Ogilvie for A Bristol Rovers Throw On In Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Josh Hare throws the ball short to Erhun Oztumer, who passes the ball back out-wide to Josh Hare, And Josh Hare fires in a fantastic low cross and Jack Tucker and Brandon Hanlan both compete for the ball at the near post and Jack Tucker has headed the ball up into the air and Jack Bonham claims the loose ball to relieve the pressure building on to Gillingham’s Goal, and the final noteworthy moment of the first half see’s John Akinde charged down Luke Leahy’s attempted clearance out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, and after two minutes of stoppage time, Referee Scott Oldham blows his whistle for half time.

HALF TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-1 GILLINGHAM

I uploaded the following comments on to Social Media At Half Time,,,,,, HALF TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-1 GILLINGHAM - Vadaine Oliver's goal is the difference between both teams at half time, But Gillingham have created plenty of opportunities to add to the score-line, Ogilvie has headed over from Robertson's cross, Dempsey's cross / shot just goes wide. Dominic Samuel and Kyle Dempsey have forced Jaakkola to make important saves in goal for Bristol Rovers, Robbie McKenzie has curled one effort towards goal which goes just wide of the far left post, Akinde & Oliver up top allow Gillingham to win the physical battle in this match. But despite how impressive Gillingham have been in the first half, Bristol Rovers have had chances to score, Nicholson fires an effort narrowly wide, Nicholson has curled one effort towards goal just wide, McCormick has had an effort on goal just go wide of the far post as well. Gillingham deserve to be winning on balance of play in the first half, just a real shame that Gillingham have not extended there lead because Bristol Rovers will get opportunities to score in the second half, next goal in this match is huge, Hopefully Gillingham get a second goal.

And Gillingham switching to a diamond midfield formation with John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver up-front and Dominic Samuel playing in the central attacking midfielder role has worked (so far) John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver are winning the aerial battle up against Max Ehmer and Jack Baldwin, And Dominic Samuel is finding those pockets of space in various area’s on the pitch to cause Bristol Rovers problems and Dominic Samuel has seen his shot towards goal saved by Anssi Jaakkola, And Bristol Rovers are struggling to cope with the physicality from Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde, and at the same-time, Bristol Rovers do not have the physicality up-front because Brandon Hanlan is lining up as a lone striker.

But even though Brandon Hanlan is lining up as a lone striker, Erhun Oztumer is a quality player in midfield and he is capable of creating something out of nothing, Sam Nicholson has caused Gillingham plenty of problems defensively and you can see Paul Tisdale looking to do something to try and get Bristol Rovers back into this match, because you cannot see Bristol Rovers not testing Jack Bonham in-between the sticks and there is still plenty of time remaining in this match for Bristol Rovers to get a point, or turn this match on it’s head to pick up all three points, hopefully, Gillingham can score the all important second goal at some point in the second half which would put Gillingham in a very strong position to pick up all three points - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!

SECOND HALF:

And right at the start of the second half, Bristol Rovers do make a change because Alfie Kilgour comes on to replace Luke McCormick (A Substitution which I failed to spot initially) And I guess with Luke McCormick picking up that knock in the first half that Paul Tisdale is taking no chances and The Bristol Rovers Manger is not only making sure that Luke McCormick doesn’t pick up a serious injury, But also, Defender Alfie Kilgour comes on to line up alongside Max Ehmer and Jack Baldwin in a back three, as Bristol Rovers look to try and deal with the physicality from Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde.

Gillingham have not made any changes at the start of the second half, But Gillingham did create the first noteworthy attack, Bristol Rovers have a throw on down the right side of the pitch in there own final third, And Max Ehmer throws the ball back to Alfie Kilgour, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Alfie Kilgour passes the ball forwards to Ed Upson, who takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball square to Josh Grant, who allows the ball to run through to Josh Hare on the byline, And Josh Hare takes a touch to control the ball before clipping the ball down the line towards Brandon Hanlan, who gets the ball under control and Tom O’Connor intercepts the ball and the ball ricochets towards Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control and passes the ball forwards to Dominic Samuel, And Dominic Samuel is looking around for passing options before managing to pick out Vadaine Oliver with a superb pass over the top down the right side of the pitch just outside Bristol Rovers Penalty Area - Bristol Rovers Left - And Vadaine Oliver takes a touch to control the ball and Vadaine Oliver whips a cross / shot across the face of goal, And Vadaine Oliver’s cross / shot doesn’t pick out John Akinde at the far post and doesn’t hit the target and the ball goes out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

Forty Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Scott Robertson is penalised for a high foot on Luke Leahy from Robbie McKenzie’s Pass, and from here, Bristol Rovers create a half decent goal-scoring opportunity, Alfie Kilgour passes the ball short to Luke Leahy and Luke Leahy passes the ball inside centrally to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball back out-wide to Luke Leahy, And Luke Leahy kicks the ball long down-field towards Brandon Hanlan on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Brandon Hanlan chests the ball down towards Sam Nicholson and Tom O’Connor boots the ball clear and away from danger and Jack Baldwin headers the ball square to Max Ehmer, And Max Ehmer passes the ball out-wide to Josh Hare, And Josh Hare passes the ball inside to Josh Grant, And Josh Grant runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Josh Hare down the right side of the pitch, And Josh Hare takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post, And Luke Leahy hooks the ball back across the face of goal and Connor Ogilvie headers the ball partially clear and away from danger and Ed Upson gets the ball under control on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Ed Upson threads a pass through towards the byline and Josh Hare’s first time cross is low towards the near post, And Jack Bonham saves and then gathers the ball at the second attempt.

And from here, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver does really well to not only win the aerial challenge, but to also keep the ball in play down the right side of the pitch, And Vadaine Oliver passes the ball back to Kyle Dempsey, who takes a touch to control the ball, And Kyle Dempsey takes a few touches in possession of the ball before whipping in a dangerous low in-swinging cross towards the near post and Jack Baldwin kicks the ball partially clear and away from goal and Erhun Oztumer lays the ball off to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson kicks the ball long down-field and Brandon Hanlan manages to header the ball back towards Sam Nicholson, who manages to retain possession of the ball, looking to be heading towards the left wing before turning back into a more central position on the pitch, And Sam Nicholson manages to pick out Josh Hare with a quality cross-field pass, And Josh Hare manages to get the ball under control before passing the ball inside to Max Ehmer, who runs towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area in possession of the ball, And Max Ehmer lays the ball off to Erhun Oztumer, who takes a touch to control the ball before pretending to shoot, shift the ball on to his left foot, and then Erhun Oztumer, quickly shifts the ball on to his right foot, And Erhun Oztumer has whipped a curling effort towards the far left side of the goal and Jack Bonham had to dive at full stretch to his right to parry the ball wide and away from goal and the ball goes out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick - GREAT STRIKE FROM ERHUN OZTUMER, (WHO REALLY IS A TOP QUALITY PLAYER IN LEAGUE ONE) AND THE QUALITY OF THE STRIKE FROM OZTUMER IS MATCHED BY THE SAVE FROM JACK BONHAM.

And from the resulting corner kick, Josh Hare whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Jack Baldwin has headed the ball over the crossbar from close range and the ball has gone out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick, Gillingham’s Six Yard Box was packed so any header on target from Jack Baldwin could well see Bristol Rovers score a early equaliser in the second half, and with Alfie Kilgour coming on at half time to play alongside Max Ehmer and Jack Baldwin in defence, then Bristol Rovers have got three centre back’s who can cause Gillingham problems defensively from set plays.

Fifty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Alfie Kilgour is penalised for his foul on Dominic Samuel on the halfway line, but just before that foul, Robbie McKenzie intercepted the ball from Sam Nicholson at the crucial moment and passed the ball forwards to Dominic Samuel, so well done Robbie McKenzie for that interception, and from the resulting free kick, Jack Tucker kicks a diagonal cross-field cross long down-field and although Vadaine Oliver wins the initial aerial challenge, Josh Hare was in the right place at the right time to kick the ball long down-field and Connor Ogilvie headers the ball towards Tom O’Connor on the left flank on the halfway line, And Tom O’Connor gets the ball under control before kicking the ball long down-field and Max Ehmer looks like he has put himself in-between the ball and John Akinde to shield the ball out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, But Vadaine Oliver almost manages to kick the ball against Max Ehmer to win Gillingham A Corner Kick, but the ball does in-fact go out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick, And Again, Bristol Rovers just cannot cope with the physicality from John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver.

Fifty Five Minutes Into The Match, And Connor Ogilvie is penalised for his foul on Brandon Hanlan, And Bristol Rovers have been awarded a free kick, and from the resulting free kick, Bristol Rovers came close to scoring the equaliser, Ed Upson passes the ball forwards to Josh Grant, who takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Josh Hare down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Josh Hare takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball back inside to Josh Grant, And Josh Grant takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball back to Alfie Kilgour, And Alfie Kilgour passes the ball towards Sam Nicholson a left / central area of the pitch, And Sam Nicholson takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball forwards to Brandon Hanlan, And Brandon Hanlan passes the ball back to Luke Leahy, And Luke Leahy play a one / two with Josh Grant before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross which Connor Ogilvie manages to header the ball clear towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, However, Josh Grant has possession of the ball for Bristol Rovers, And Josh Grant passes the ball short to Sam Nicholson, who takes one touch to control the ball, and another touch to get a shot off towards goal, And Sam Nicholson’s shot towards goal takes a huge deflection off Jack Tucker and the ball diverts out of play for A Bristol Rovers Corner Kick - AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR BRISTOL ROVERS TO EQUALISE!!!!!! - And from the resulting corner kick, Bristol Rovers created a half decent opportunity to level the game up at 1-1, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver headers the ball partially clear and away from danger and Erhun Oztumer gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Luke Leahy, And Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Brandon Hanlan’s glancing header bounces just wide of the far left post and Jack Bonham had dived at full stretch to ensure that Brandon Hanlan’s header was not on target and the ball goes out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick.

Fifty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had the chance to go 2-0 up, Connor Ogilvie kicks the ball long down-field and Jack Baldwin headers the ball clear and away from danger and Ryan Jackson gets the ball under control before passing the ball back to Jack Tucker, And Jack Tucker takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver flicks the ball on towards Scott Robertson, who manages to keep the ball in play and run wide away from goal and Scott Robertson passes the ball back to Tom O’Connor on the left flank, And Tom O’Connor takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Kyle Dempsey’s header towards goal loops up into the air and Anssi Jaakkola makes a comfortable save in goal for Bristol Rovers.

Gillingham were awarded a free kick in The Fifty Ninth Minute Of The Match, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Connor Ogilvie kicks the ball long down-field and Max Ehmer wins the aerial challenge up against Vadaine Oliver to header the ball partially clear and away from danger, But Tom O’Connor is first to get on to the loose ball, And Tom O’Connor goes on a driving run down the left flank in possession of the ball before whipping in a high and hanging cross towards the back-stick and Tom O’Connor’s cross is over-hit and runs out of play for A Bristol Rovers Throw On, And From The Resulting Throw, Luke Leahy throws the ball back to Jack Baldwin, who gets the ball under control and passes the ball forwards to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson passes the ball back to Jack Baldwin, And Jack Baldwin passes the ball forwards to Sam Nicholson on the halfway line, And Sam Nicholson manages to retain possession of the ball before laying the ball off to Erhun Oztumer, who plays a first time pass out-wide to Josh Hare down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Josh Hare not only manages to keep the ball in play, But Josh Hare goes on a dribbling run forwards down the right side of the pitch and continue’s his run forwards inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Josh Hare’s low cross is blocked by Scott Robertson at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Luke Leahy whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver manages to header the ball partially clear and away from danger and Scott Robertson kicks the ball forwards and further away from goal, and Ed Upson is on to the loose ball and passes the ball square to Erhun Oztumer, And Erhun Oztumer takes a touch to control the ball before going in a skilful run forwards in possession of the ball, taking on Scott Robertson and Kyle Dempsey and Erhun Oztumer is challenged by Vadaine Oliver and the ball ricochets off Kyle Dempsey, And Erhun Oztumer’s shot on the turn is saved by Jack Bonham In The Gillingham Goal, And Erhun Oztumer is the one player on the pitch who is capable of creating something out of nothing, thankfully, Jack Bonham has saved Erhun Oztumer’s shot on the turn to preserve Gillingham’s 1-0 lead.

And from here, Gillingham go from almost conceding at one end of the pitch, to almost doubling there advantage to 2-0 in the next attack, Jack Bonham has kicked the ball long down-field and John Akinde flicks the ball on towards Dominic Samuel, And Dominic Samuel passes the ball forwards towards John Akinde down the right side of the pitch in Bristol Rovers Final Third, And John Akinde has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Josh Hare has headed the ball straight into Max Ehmer, and the ball ricochets back towards Vadaine Oliver, And Vadaine Oliver see’s his first time shot towards goal saved by Anssi Jaakkola at point blank range and the ball diverts out of play for A Gillingham Throw On and Anssi Jaakkola has kept Bristol Rovers in this match with a very important stop - BUT THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO GO 2-0 UP.

Sixty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers make a double substitution as Zain Walker and Ali Koiki both come on to replace Josh Hare and Luke Leahy as Bristol Rovers substitute both wing backs, And Paul Tisdale will be hoping that fresh legs in both wing back positions can help Bristol Rovers cause Gillingham problems defensively in the wide area’s, As far as any substitutions for Gillingham goes, I think Scott Robertson could be a player who gets taken off because Scott Robertson is one player who may well need protecting having been in and out of The Gillingham Side in recent weeks.

In The Sixty Eighth Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers have the chance to equalise, Erhun Oztumer has possession of the ball on the halfway line for Bristol Rovers, And Erhun Oztumer manages to retain possession of the ball before running forwards into Gillingham’s Half Of The Pitch, And Erhun Oztumer is looking around for passing options before passing the ball short to Josh Grant, And Josh Grant passes the ball out-wide to Ali Kolki, And Ali Kolki runs inside centrally in possession of the ball before passing the ball back to Ed Upson, And Ed Upson passes the ball out-wide to Josh Grant, who shrugs off the attempted challenge from Dominic Samuel, And Josh Grant runs inside into a more central position on the pitch and Josh Grant continue’s his run towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Josh Grant’s shot towards goal fails to hit the target and that was a bit of a let off for Gillingham, because it had just opened up for The Bristol Rovers Midfielder to get a shot off on goal.

Sixty Nine Minutes Into The Match, And Alfie Kilgour goes down to the deck requiring treatment for a head injury, and after getting some treatment from the physio’s, Alfie Kilgour was OK to continue playing for Bristol Rovers, But In The Seventieth Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers had the chance to equalise, Ed Upson passes the ball out-wide to Ali Kolki, And Ali Kolki keeps the ball in play before passing the ball inside towards Zain Walker, And Zain Walker passes the ball towards Ed Upson, who passes the ball forwards to Josh Grant, And Josh Grant passes the ball forwards to Erhun Oztumer, and Erhun Oztumer passes the ball short to Josh Grant, who is waiting around for passing options before laying the ball off to Erhun Oztumer, who manages to clip the ball towards Ali Kolki down the left side of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Ali Kolki cannot quite manage to get the ball under control and the ball ricochets towards Brandon Hanlan, And Connor Ogilvie times his challenge to perfection on Brandon Hanlan, and not only has Connor Ogilvie made a goal saving interception, but Brandon Hanlan is penalised for his foul on Connor Ogilvie and Gillingham have been awarded a defensive free kick - Had Ali Kolki got the ball under control then he would have surely equalised for Bristol Rovers. and that is a massive let off for The Gills.

Seventy Two Minutes Into The Match, And Jack Tucker is penalised for his fun on Josh Grant - And Bristol Rovers have been awarded a free kick right on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area - And From The Resulting Free Kick, Erhun Oztumer’s free kick towards goal hits John Akinde and the ball loops up into the air and Robbie McKenzie wins the aerial challenge and headers the ball down inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Tom O’Connor kicks the ball clear and away from danger towards the halfway line, and Dominic Samuel does exceptionally well to retain possession of the ball and wait for his team-mates to come forward to offer some support, And Dominic Samuel passes the forwards to Kyle Dempsey in Bristol Rovers Half Of The Pitch, And Kyle Dempsey retains possession of the ball and runs across towards the right side of the pitch and Kyle Dempsey passes the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson, who takes one touch to control the ball, and another touch to thread a pass down the line towards Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey whips in a dangerous low cross across the six yard box and there was Vadaine Oliver to header the ball into the back of the net for 2-0 with a diving header and there was nothing that Anssi Jaakkola could have done to prevent Vadaine Oliver from scoring his second, and Gillingham’s second goal of the match - BRISTOL ROVERS 0-2 GILLINGHAM.

But we have got to mention the quality of play from Gillingham to hit Bristol Rovers on the counter attack, Dominic Samuel retains possession of the ball and passes the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, who passes the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson plays a return pass down the line towards Kyle Dempsey, who whips in a first time cross with quality and Vadaine Oliver has scored that all important second goal to give Gillingham a two goal lead, However, Vadaine Oliver has collided with the post after scoring for The Gills and requires some treatment, thankfully, Vadaine Oliver is back on to his feat again, but with that all important second goal, Gillingham can possibly look to bring on Trae Coyle for Vadaine Oliver and Gillingham can substitute Vadaine Oliver to ensure that he is available for selection for the home game against Swindon Town On Saturday.

However, straight from the kick off, Bristol Rovers almost halved the deficit straight away, Max Ehmer passes the ball out-wide to Sam Nicholson, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Sam Nicholson threads the ball down the line towards Zain Walker, And Zain Walker takes a touch to control the ball before playing a short pass back to Sam Nicholson, And Sam Nicholson see’s his cross charged down and deflected into Zain Westbrooke’s path, And Zain Westbrooke has kicked the ball up into the air and Ali Kolki is there first to get to the loose ball and play the ball back into Zain Westbrooke’s Path, And Zain Westbrooke’s first time shot towards goal clears Gillingham’s Crossbar by some considerable distance, Bristol Rovers have also made there fourth substitution of the match with Zain Westbrooke coming on for Ed Upson, this substitution must have taken place when Vadaine Oliver was getting some treatment.

Seventy Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Jack Bonham saves Sam Nicholson’s dangerous in-swinging cross with considerable ease, And In The Eightieth Minute Of The Match, Zain Westbrooke has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Jack Bonham has gathered the ball with ease, Bristol Rovers just do not have the physicality in the final third to cause Gillingham problems defensively in the air, And with Gillingham winning 2-0 and quite happy to let Bristol Rovers have possession of the ball, Then Bristol Rovers have to find a way to stick the ball into the back of the net very soon to set up a grand-stand finish to this match.

Eighty Two Minutes Into The Match, And Bristol Rovers were looking to find that goal which would set up a grand-stand finish, And Sam Nicholson has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and Ryan Jackson has got the faintest of touches on to the ball to header the ball away from goal, And Ryan Jackson was clattered into by Zain Walker and Gillingham have been awarded a defensive free kick and well done Ryan Jackson for that defensive header, and Ryan Jackson requires some treatment on the pitch, and this stoppage in play allows Gillingham to regain there composure and slow down the tempo of the match to our level.

Eighty Four Minutes Into The Match, And Ali Kolki times his sliding challenge to perfection on Ryan Jackson, And Gillingham have won a throw on in Bristol Rovers Final Third Down The Right Side Of The Pitch, And From The Resulting Throw On, Ryan Jackson throws the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, who passes the ball back out-wide to Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson passes the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, who passes the ball back to Dominic Samuel, And Dominic Samuel clips the ball over the top for Ryan Jackson to run on to, And Ryan Jackson manages to keep the ball in play by standing a cross up towards the far post, and there was John Akinde to header the ball over the crossbar, and the ball has gone out of play for A Bristol Rovers Goal-Kick.

And that header was John Akinde’s last involvement in this match, Because Alex MacDonald comes on to replace John Akinde, And John Akinde has been superb up-front alongside Vadaine Oliver all evening, and this is probably one of John Akinde’s best performances in A Gillingham Shirt, Alex MacDonald will come on to sure things up defensively for The Gills, And In The Eighty Seventh Minute, Bristol Rovers created a half decent goal-scoring opportunity as Jack Baldwin passes the ball forwards towards Brandon Hanlan inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Brandon Hanlan has gone to ground underneath Connor Ogilvie’s challenge and Jack Tucker takes no chances and kicks the ball clear and away from danger at the expense of conceding a throw on, and from the resulting throw on, Ali Kolki throws the ball back to Jack Baldwin, who takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a high and hanging cross towards the back-stick and Jack Bonham was able to gather the ball with ease.

And In The Ninetieth Minute Of The Match, Bristol Rovers came close to scoring again, Sam Nicholson has managed to pick out Brandon Hanlan with a low cross across towards the near post, And Brandon Hanlan manages to retain possession of the ball before eventually being challenged by Alex MacDonald, However, Alfie Kilgour has possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch, and Alfie Kilgour passes the ball down the line towards Sam Nicholson, And Sam Nicholson uses his pace to take on Alex MacDonald and stand the ball up towards the far post and Josh Grants Header towards goal goes wide of the far left post, and the ball goes out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick.

Gillingham then make there second substitution of the match as Declan Drysdale comes on to replace Scott Robertson, who has put in a exceptional performance in the middle of midfield, And Declan Drysdale will come on to sure things up defensively for The Gills, The next attack see’s Bristol Rovers on the front-foot as Zain Westbrooke plays a one / two with Sam Nicholson and Zain Westbrooke passes the ball inside centrally to Erhun Oztumer, who passes the ball square to Jack Baldwin, And Jack Baldwin passes the ball out-wide to Ali Kolki down the left side of the pitch, And Ali Kolki whips in a dangerous low cross and Brandon Hanlan flicks the ball across the penalty area and Tom O’Connor boots the ball clear and away from danger and Erhun Oztumer gets the ball under control, takes a few touches in possession of the ball and passes the ball forwards towards Brandon Hanlan, And Brandon Hanlan lays the ball off to Zain Walker, who passes the ball backwards towards Zain Westbrooke, And Zain Westbrooke passes the ball out-wide to Sam Nicholson, And Sam Nicholson passes the ball back inside to Zain Westbrooke, And Zain Westbrooke takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Zain Walker’s diving header fails to hit the target and the ball goes out of play for A Gillingham Goal-Kick.

And In The Ninety Third Minute Of The Match, Trae Coyle comes on to replace Vadaine Oliver, And you have got to applaud Vadaine Oliver, not just for the two goals, but his overall performance was exceptional again for Gillingham and Vadaine Oliver has now scored three goals in his last two appearances for The Gills, And the final noteworthy moment of the match see’s Max Ehmer’s low cross across the face of goal go out for a goal-kick for The Gills, and neither Brandon Hanlan, Zain Walker or Ali Kolki can divert the ball goal-wards, and after over four minutes of stoppage time, Referee Scott Oldham blows his whistle for Full Time and the final score at The Memorial Stadium Is Bristol Rovers 0-2 Gillingham.

FULL TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-2 GILLINGHAM

I uploaded the following stats update on to Social Media,,,,,, FULL TIME: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-2 GILLINGHAM - A brace from Oliver earns Gillingham three valuable points and Gillingham now move up to 12th in The League One Table after this win tonight, Gillingham's win against Bristol Rovers was also The Gills third away league win of the season. Vadaine Oliver will get all the praise and plaudits for scoring both goals tonight - and rightfully so - But you can pick a additional seven or eight players who were exceptional this evening, Robbie McKenzie is one of those players, who again was superb in-front of the back four, Kyle Dempsey whipped in a sensational cross for Oliver's second goal, Tucker and Ogilvie were brilliant in the heart of Gillingham's Defence, and when Jack Bonham had to be called upon, he prevented Oztumer from scoring from a free kick when the score-line was 1-0 to The Gills. After losing 3-2 against Exeter City In The FA Cup Second Round on Saturday, we wanted to see Gillingham respond tonight, And The Gills have responded by putting in our best performance and our most professional performance of the season by winning 2-0 against Bristol Rovers.

And the latter part of my status update is the big talking point, we wanted to see Gillingham respond with a result against Bristol Rovers, But this wasn’t a smash and grab 1-0 win, this was a exceptional 2-0 win for The Gills against A Bristol Rovers Side who were tipped by many at the start of the season to be dark horses for a playoff challenge in League One, And I do believe that this was Gillingham’s most professional performance of the season, and we have seen the players put that 3-2 home defeat to Exeter City In The Second Round Of The FA Cup behind them with a hard fought win against Bristol Rovers At The Memorial Stadium, If there is one negative on the result, it is the fact that we as supporters could not be inside The Memorial Stadium to celebrate Gillingham’s 2-0 win tonight, Traveling back from a away ground with a win, three points, a clean sheet, and celebrating the win with your fellow supporters are moments to savour that is for sure.

Gillingham are now twelfth in The League One Table, and more importantly, seven points clear of The League One Relegation Zone, that win against Bristol Rovers has opened up a gap between Gillingham and the bottom four, and if Gillingham can back up this win against Bristol Rovers with another win against Swindon Town, Then that gap between Gillingham and the bottom four is only going to increase, and hopefully, by the time we get to the home game against Peterborough United on Boxing Day the gap between Gillingham and the bottom four is ten points at the very least.

Bristol Rovers just could not cope with the physicality from John Akinde and Vadaine Oliver in there own final third, and Bristol Rovers were lacking a striker with that physicality up-front to cause Gillingham problems defensively, Sam Nicholson, Zain Westbrooke, and Erhun Oztumer are not players who can cause Gillingham problems defensively in the air, and the one player who can win the ball in the air in Brandon Hanlan was either isolated, or double marked to perfection from Jack Tucker and Connnor Ogilvie, and it was interesting to hear Steve Evans mentioned that these two trained attack verses defence against Brandon Hanlan when Brandon Hanlan was playing for Gillingham, So we knew how to prevent Brandon Hanlan from causing Gillingham problems defensively, and to keep a clean sheet away at The Memorial Stadium is a incredible response from how Gillingham conceded three goals against Exeter City, the entire team responded and put in a exceptional team performance, and just when Gillingham needed one as well.

Bristol Rovers Supporters have spoken about Gillingham on there forum, and one comment in-particular stood out, "Gillingham everything you need in league 1 with a mid table budget. Big, tough , experienced , hardworking , confident and organised.” And Bristol Rovers have the experience, they have the quality in there side to be pushing higher up the table, but they are perhaps lacking the organisation, the confidence and the toughness you need to dig out a unconvincing 1-0 win when your not at your best, And when you look at the likes of Sam Nicholson, Max Ehmer, Jack Baldwin, Brandon Hanlan, Luke Leahy, Ed Upson, Abumere Ogogo, Zain Westbrooke, and Erhun Oztumer in Bristol Rovers First Team Squad, then Bristol Rovers should be pushing much higher up The League One Table, and maybe Paul Tisdale will be hoping to bring in a few reinforcements when The Transfer Window Opens In January.

This was a professional performance, this was precisely the response we wanted to see from Gillingham after losing 3-2 to Exeter City In The Second Round Of The FA Cup, we were wondering how Gillingham were going to cope with the absence of Jordan Graham from the starting line up, and Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde up-front gave Gillingham the physicality in the final third and Dominic Samuel put in a superb performance for Gillingham in The Central Attacking Midfielder Role, But it wasn’t just the attacking players who put in a superb performance, defensively, Gillingham were out-standing and to go to The Memorial Stadium and keep a clean sheet is something that Gillingham have not done too often, even though we have picked up quite a few points away against Bristol Rovers in recent season’s, this was a very good win, Because the players have put that defeat to Exeter City behind them and Gillingham are now twelfth in The League One Table.

As for Gillingham being twelfth In The League One Table, I think any talk about challenging for the playoff is very premature, and with Gillingham playing against Swindon Town, Doncaster Rovers, Accrington Stanley, and Rochdale over the next four league games, the challenge has to be to get as many points as possible from these four matches and to open up a huge gap between Gillingham and The League One Relegation Zone, so much so that we are not even talking about looking over our shoulder at the bottom four, And four wins out of four from these four league games would put Gillingham on Thirty Two Points from Eighteen Matches.

Hopefully, the first of those four wins can be achieved on Saturday when Gillingham take on Swindon Town At Priestfield Stadium, this would also be another fixture that Gillingham Supporters would have loved to have gone to, But this match will be played behind closed doors, and hopefully, Gillingham can build on this 2-0 win against Bristol Rovers and pick up another three points against Swindon Town - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!

#BristolRovers #Gillingham #Football #LeagueOne

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