Coca-Cola League One
Saturday 28th January 2006
GILLINGHAM 1 ROTHERHAM UNITED 1
Gills striker Gavin Grant scored his first ever goal in the Football League in a draw with Rotherham at Priestfield.
Grant, who entered the fold as a half time substitute, pounced to cancel out Lee Williamson's opener.
Truth be told though, Rotherham should have ran out winners after scoring what appeared to be a perfectly legitimate 'goal', which was ruled out by the officials.
Former Gills favourite Paul Shaw, now plying his trade with Rotherham, returned to Priestfield to a friendly reception before kick-off - and Tommy Black, signed on a month's loan from Crystal Palace, also received a round of applause before making his debut in Gillingham's midfield.
It took Gillingham six minutes to get in behind Rotherham's defence when Danny Jackman's long ball found Darren Byfield, returning to the side after completing a one match suspension, in space on the left and his cross was cut out by Colin Murdock at the expense of a corner, which came to nothing.
Gillingham's next chance fell to Neil Harris in the 13th minute. He turned and shot in the box, but Gary Montgomery was equal to it and parried well.
Rotherham conjured up their first offering two minutes later, but Jason Brown comfortably dealt with Murdock's header. 10 minutes later Shaw flicked the ball to Will Hoskins and his low drive was well saved by Brown at his left hand post.
Shaw was at the forefront of Rotherham's next attack too, on 26 minutes, when he received a Stephen Quinn pass and set up John Mullin, whose shot was tipped over by Brown.
After that Black spotted Harris' run and played a lofted pass for him to run on to, but his 20-yard shot dipped over the top.
Gills manager Ronnie Jepson then proved he's not afraid to make changes and made two at half time - Grant and Michael Flynn came on as Harris and Alan Pouton made way.
Into the second half and Jackman's 53rd minute cross, from the left byline, was only a matter of inches too high for both Leon Johnson and Grant, but Rotherham scored immediately after that when an unmarked Williamson made no mistake from 10 yards.
Byfield had a first time volley saved, following Black's free kick, before Gillingham levelled on 63 minutes. Black's delivered an excellent right wing corner and Grant put the ball over the line.
The game was then surrounded in controversy on 83 minutes. Paul McLaren took a free kick from the left and Shaun Barker came sliding in round the back. The ball came off the inside of Brown's right hand post and seemed to cross the line, but rather strangely and fortunately for the Gills a goal was not awarded. Even the Gills fans started a chant declaring their love for the linesman after that.
For once, Gillingham were grateful that the officials do make mistakes.
Gillingham: Brown, Clohessy, Jackman, Pouton (Flynn 45), Johnson, Cox, Spiller, Crofts, Byfield, Harris (Grant 45), Black.
Subs not used - Crichton, Hope, Rose.
Rotherham United: Montgomery, Worrell, Hurst, Mullin, Barker, Murdock, Quinn, McLaren, Hoskins (Forte 65), Shaw, Williamson.
Subs not used - Robertson, Butler, Monkhouse, Hedge.
Bookings: Williamson (Rotherham)
Attendance: 6,107
Referee: Mr Keith Hill (Hertfordshire)
Report by: Adam Scally
