[ 27 Apr 24 ] GILLS v Doncaster Rovers Match Thread

[Garawa]

- The Gills have won 2 and lost 2 of their last 4 home games on the final day of the season. Those 2 losses are the only defeats in the last 10 seasons. In the previous 21 seasons in the 4th tier (excluding Div 4 South), the Gills ended at Priestfield 9 times without defeat, winning 7.
- The Gills have an impressive record against Doncaster, winning 37 and losing just 16 with a further 20 meetings being drawn. Doncaster have won 2 of the last 3 meetings whilst the Gills have won 3 of the last 5.
- Doncaster last won at Priestfield in December 2018. Since then, they are winless in 5 league and cup visits with the Gills winning 4 of them including successive 1-0 victories in 2022/3 and 2012/2.
- Doncaster have won 10 games in a row, as many wins as they had managed in their previous 30 league and cup games. Rovers are unbeaten in 11 league games home and away and have lost just 1 of their last 17 league games since a 5-1 home defeat to Stockport in January.
- Despite scoring a first half goal in their last 2 games, the Gills are still the lowest scorers before the break (18). They have conceded 24, just 2 more than the total Doncaster conceded from their first 23 games. They let in just 11 in 22 games since - the 2 on Saturday being their first in 10 games.

(15:02) EFL Sky Bet League 2: Gillingham FC v Doncaster Rovers - Kick Off [ 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 ]

(15.06) A strong block by Turner prevents the opener for the visitors. Max Ehmer, on his 400th appearance, heads the corner away.

(15.17) A vital block on the line in a clump of players prevents Rovers tapping home from close range at the expense of another corner.

(15.18) Good movement between Mahoney and Jefferies finds space for Dieng in the box. With his back to goal initially, he gets a second chance but it's tamely straight at the keeper.

(15.32) GOAL! Gillingham 0-1 Doncaster Rovers: Ironside

(15.39) GOAL! Gillingham 0-2 Doncaster Rovers: Molyneux

(15.47) The referee adds on 2 minutes.

(15.47) The Gills have a throw which finds its way to the far post and it's tapped off the line.

(15.49) Half time 0-2

(16.06) The second half kicks off.

(16.09) Mahoney crosses for the head of Dieng who puts it wide with the goal at his mercy.

(16.24) Some beautiful Gills quick triangular passing in the penalty area tears apart the Rovers defence but it ends with a blocked shot from Andrews and a goal kick.

(16.16) Red Card! The Rovers 'keeper is sent off for reaching up to pull the ball down inside the D. The Gills score directly from the free kick.

(16.18) GOAL! Gillingham 1-2 Doncaster Rovers: Dieng

(16.23) GOAL! Gillingham 2-2 Doncaster Rovers: Anderson (OG)

(16.32) Rovers win an identical free kick for a handball inside the D for which Ehmer is booked. The Gills block 2 efforts and clear.

(16.35) Strong shouts for a penalty for the visitors go ignored.

(16.52) There will be 5 additional minutes.

(16.53) Chaos in the Rovers area as the Gills have a number of shots blocked on the line, first from Masterson then the rebound from Andrews.

(16.54) A great header from Gbode from Mahoney's corner is missed by the outstretched arm of the keeper and headed off the line..

(16.57) FULL TIME 2-2

Attendance: 8723 (1,676)
Position: 12th
Referee: Alex Chilowicz
Match highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BioBSh_fIYQ
BBC Match Report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68862489