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 their 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. They were looking the most likely team to score a winner late on.
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.
Gillingham’s early pressure didn’t produce an effort worthy of note at goal and as the half wore on Walsall got better, winning numerous corners. The Saddlers obviously spend a lot of time working on set-pieces but the visitors defended well to keep it level at the break.
The closest Walsall got to scoring came from Evan Weir’s corner which he almost scored directly from. Glenn Morris was there on the line to make a save. At the other end Gbode headed goalwards but keeper Tommy Simkin had plenty of time to get his hands on it.
Home captain Matt put Walsall ahead just four minutes after the restart, getting a vital touch on the ball to send it past Morris after Max Clark – who had done so well in the first half – was beaten out wide by Connor Barrett.
Walsall had their tails up and went searching for a second against a Gills side not renowned for comebacks.
There was still some fight in the Gills, Hutton getting booked for a physical altercation and Corness receiving a caution for a heavy challenge.
It was a rocket of an effort from McKenzie that got the Gills back on level terms, smashing the ball home off the underside of the bar with a crisp shot from 30 yards.
Nevitt had a penalty shout turned down by the referee with 15 minutes left, one of several appeals that came and went, while Hutton bent a shot narrowly wide as the Gills searched for an unlikely winner.
They got close when Little had shot cleared off the line during a period of pressure that had Walsall defending desperately. Substitute Oli Hawkins also smashed a shot goalwards that needed blocking.
A thrilling finish saw Danny Johnson go close for Walsall, lobbing an effort onto the roof of the net.
League 2 table
Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Clark, Gale, Ehmer, Smith, Little, McKenzie, Corness (Nolan 74mins), Nevitt (Morgan 85mins), Gbode (Hawkins 74mins). Subs not used: Turner, Dack, Ogie, Clarke.
Walsall: Simkin, Barrett, Gordon (Harrison 55mins), Williams, Okagbue, Weir, Stirk, McEntee, Jellis (Johnson 85mins), Matt (Amantchi 89mins), Gordon. Subs not used: Hornby, Lakin, Comley, Adomah.
Referee: Thomas Parsons
Attendance: 6,229
