Coca-Cola League One
Saturday March 10 2007
Venue: Priestfield Stadium
Kick-Off: 3:00pm

GILLINGHAM 1 CREWE ALEXANDRA 0

A Michael Flynn blockbuster has proved decisive with the Gills gaining three precious points against Crewe Alexandra.

Flynn's second half solo effort was worthy of settling any encounter, although truth be told it was one of few bright parts of an otherwise dull affair at Priestfield.

After a fairly tentative opening from both sides, it was the Gills who conjured up the first opportunity of the encounter with a flowing move in the 12th minute. Brent Sancho got things going, bringing the ball out of defence before finding Mark Bentley, who helped the ball on to Nicky Southall. His deft touch presented Gary Mulligan with a chance, Ben Williams tipping his 12-yard drive round the post.

It took 23 minutes for Crewe to look even remotely threatening, Julien Baudet flicking on a free kick for Michael Higdon to blast over from just six yards. One of those where he really should have done better.

Five minute later though, Crewe were at it again, Neil Cox's 20-yard thunderbolt expertly tipped round the post by Romain Larrieu, and from the resulting corner Higdon saw his header saved.

Gillingham responded through Mulligan just past the half-hour mark, cutting inside on the left hand edge of the box before testing Williams, who tipped the ball round his near post.

Still, it was the visitors who had arguably the best opening of the first half a minute before the break, Ryan Lowe threading the ball through for Rodney Jack to run on to. Larrieu was once again up to the task though, making sure the sides went in level at the break.

Crewe were the quickest out of the traps as the second half commenced, Higdon going close with a half volley, from Lowe's flick, which landed on the roof of the net.

Chances were few and far between though, and Gills supporters had little to get them on the edge of their seats until the 65th minute. Flynn's crunching tackle setting McDonald away through the middle, but with the Crewe defence tracking back, the Gills striker opted to spray the ball out to Southall on the right, whose cross was side footed wide by Andrew Crofts.

With the game poised at 0-0 and with the clock ticking away, a goalless draw was becoming increasingly likely. Flynn, however, took the responsibility to change all that in the 71st minute, picking the ball up just inside Crewe's half before unleashing a stunning 25-yard strike which left Williams with absolutely no chance.

Still, the job was not quite done, with Crewe still having a say in the matter late on, but sub Shaun Miller's deflected shot was tipped over in some style by Larrieu.

Just as well it was too, as Flynn's moment of magic deserved to be the match winner.

Gillingham: Larrieu, Southall, Sancho, Johnson, Jackman, Bentley, Crofts, Flynn, Spiller (Chorley 85), McDonald (Ndumbu-Nsungu 85), Mulligan.
Subs not used - Cox, Collin, Pugh.

Crewe Alexandra: Williams, Jones, Cox, O'Donnell, Roberts (Pope 86), Baudet, Jack (Miller 73), Woodards, Lowe, Moss, Higdon.
Subs not used - Tomlinson, Bignot, Carrington.

Bookings: Ndumbu-Nsungu (Gillingham)

Attendance: 6,373

Referee: Mr Ray Lee (Essex)

Match Report by Adam Scally