Gillingham surrendered a two-goal lead at Priestfield, settling for a draw against lowly Barrow.
Jack Earing’s own-goal and Aaron Rowe’s first of the season put Gillingham two goals up after a dominant opening half but Barrow fought back with Josh Gordon scoring twice after the break, the match ended 2-2.
Gillingham had been in almost total control during an impressive first 45 minutes but Barrow’s goal back led to a more nervy second-half at Priestfield and the visitors equalised with seven minutes remaining.
It’s now five straight draws in League 2 for the Gills, who haven’t won at home sin
Manager Gareth Ainsworth made just one change to the team which started the week before at Colchester, keeping faith with the same shape as they lined up with wing-backs again.
Elliott Nevitt was preferred upfront to Seb Palmer-Houlden and he signalled his return to the eleven by creating the opening goal.
Nevitt had put one chance wide moments before winning the ball off Charlie McCann and then sending in a low cross that Jack Earing diverted past his own keeper.
The opening goal was clocked at 25 minutes and three minutes later it was 2-0.
Aaron Rowe turned a defender inside out before firing a low shot across the keeper to double the lead.
Nevitt could have made it 3-0 soon after, as he met Garath McCleary’s cross at the near post, but nudged the ball wide of the mark, ending up in the net himself and needing treatment to a wrist injury.
Visitors Barrow had axed their head coach Andy Whing three days earlier, after a poor run of form left them 18th in the table. Experienced coach Neil McDonald had taken charge as caretaker boss – hoping for a result to boost his hopes of getting the gig on a permanent basis.
McDonald’s inherited team looked devoid of confidence and any attacking play fizzled out. They didn’t manage a shot on target in the opening half.
The Gills, with Bradley Dack once again showing glimpses of class from the middle of the park, threatened another before the break as Travis Akomeah put an effort wide.
The visitors switched to a back three to try and stem the tide but Gillingham remained on top and McCleary was denied a goal by keeper Wyll Stanway, saving one-handed low down to his right.
The Gills started the weekend just outside the play-off places and needed an upturn in home form to really start making an impression at the top end of League 2. This was the kind of dominant performance they needed.
An early second-half chance saw Robbie McKenzie fire a shot into the side netting for the Gills.
Barrow found a bit of belief after the break and after a few failed attempts they got it right with an impressive goal back on 57 minutes. Gordon did well to guide Tom Barkhuizen’s cross into the top corner, beyond the reach of keeper Jake Turner.
Nevitt had a shot saved from a tight angle and the Gills were in need of a third goal to settle the nerves as Barrow were looking more threatening.
Ainsworth introduced fresh legs, with Nelson Khumbeni and Palmer-Houlden replacing the impressive experienced pair Dack and McCleary. Those two had been at the centre of Gills’ best play in the first half.
Barrow continued to threaten and the inevitable happened on 83 minutes as Gordon arrived at the far post to convert Scott Smith’s cross from close range.
Gillingham had to play the final few minutes with 10 men after Khumbeni went off with a shoulder injury, having already used up their allocated subs.
Barrow came close to a last-gasp winner from a free-kick but Turner held onto MJ Williams’ effort as match ended level.
Gillingham: Turner, Akomeah (J Williams 88mins), Gale, McKenzie, Hutton, Rowe (A Smith 87mins), Coleman, Little, McCleary (Palmer-Houlden 72mins), Dack (Khumbeni 67mins), Nevitt. Subs not used: Holtam, Clark, Ogie.
Barrow: Stanway, Shipley, Williams, Raglan, Jackson (Newby 72mins), McCann, Hemmings, Earing (Smith 57mins), Gordon, Barkhuizen (Mahoney 57mins), Whitfield (Worrall 80mins). Subs not used: Winterbottom, Cameron.
Referee: Farai Hallam
Attendance: 5,500 (76 away)
