It is four defeats in four here at the KRBS Priestfield after Steve Holland's Crewe side come away with a comprehensive 3-0 win. Two goals from Dean Morgan and one from Tom Pope sealed the win for the visitors, while referee Phil Joslin was at the centre of controversy when he sent of Gills' debutant Kevin Maher for an alleged double footed challenge.
The visitors took the lead in the 10th minute when the ball was screwed by keeper Ben Williams and it was not dealt with by a host of Gillingham players. The ball ran all the way through the midfield and was then picked by Dean Morgan who then picked out Tom Pope with an excellent slide rule pass. Pope took a decent touch to take it away from King, and then clipped it over Simon Royce.
It was a disappointing start, especially with the crowd producing a superb atmosphere and trying their hardest to lift the boys out of this poor run of form. The goal winded them a little but it wasn't before long until the songs were being sung again and the chants were being rallied around the stands.
However, even with the tremendous support it did nothing to prevent Crewe from having the better of the opening exchanges. After the opening goal, the Alex pushed on in search of a second and Nicky Maynard was causing the Gills defence all sorts of problems. Just past the half hour mark and he should have doubled the lead. He picked the ball up off of Gary Roberts and then fizzed a shot over the bar.Two minutes later and he should have made it two-nil. The lively striker again got in behind the defence and curled a brilliant shot that flew just wide of Simon Royce's far post.
Maynard was again holding his head in his hands just four minutes later when he hit the post. After some good work down the right flank, the Crewe forward burst into the box and nudged the ball under an advancing Royce but he could not convert from a tight angle and the ball hit the post.
Crewe were in total control of the game now. Gillingham's possession was not providing a killer touch and the Alex absorbed all of the pressure.
The second half was vitally important for both teams to get an early goal. If Crewe got it then the game was effectively sealed. If Gillingham got it, then the vocal support would have certainly lifted the team in search of a second. However, with only five minutes on the clock after the restart, the former happened. The Gills had applied some decent early pressure but, with men committed forward, Crewe broke down the right flank through Roberts. His ball was low, quick and dangerous and it found Morgan in the six yards box and he smashed home.
It was soon to get even worse for Mark Stimson's men. New signing, Kevin Maher, who looked effective all afternoon, was sent off by referee Phil Joslin for an alleged two-footed tackle. The decision was certainly harsh as both players went into the challenge with two feet; the ball was there to be one but the Crewe player stayed down and Maher got to his feet. The referee did not hesitate and, ignoring all of the pleas from the Blue shirts, he pulled out a straight red. It is not the first time this season that we have had to include a contentious decision, so it is shame that we have to write about it again and again, it is one that had a major effect on the game.
However, Gillingham rallied and had a spell of pressure that almost resulted in them pulling a goal back. Leroy Griffiths, who was on for Delroy Facey, sprinted to collectthe ball on the far side, pulled the ball back onto his left foot and then whipped in an excellent cross. Skipper, Andrew Crofts, looking for his fifth goal of the season, made a late run a met the ball with his head. However, he seemed to stretch for it and couldn't give it enough direction to take it away from the keeper, who used his chest to block the ball on the line. Crofts desperately tried to push the ball over the line with a leg, but Williams eventually gathered it.
Then, Crewe sealed their victory. With a man advantage, Steve Holland's men used it well with a devastating effect. Dean Morgan was fed with a through ball that split the defence and he ran in one-on-one and calmly fired past Royce to make it three.
With only ten minutes left on the clock Simeon Jackson came on for Gary Mulligan and looked to make an immediate impact. His jinky runs and quick feet made a difference and he almost pulled a consolation back in the 91st minute when he cut in past a defender and unleashed a rasping drive that Williams did well to palm away.
So, it if four defeats in four and the Gills will be looking to get back on track when AFC Bournemouth are the visitors to KRBS Priestfield. To book your tickets please call the GFC Ticket Office 01634 300 000.
Central defender Adam Bygrave makes his second start in the heart of defence, whilst midfielder Mark Bentley is brought back into the starting line-up following a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury.
Striker Gary Mulligan is given the nod, over Leroy Griffiths, to front the attack with Delroy Facey.
Gillingham:
12. Simon Royce;
38. Barry Fuller
5. Simon King
31. Adam Bygrave
35. John Nutter
8. Mark Bentley
7. Andrew Crofts (c)
27. Kevin Maher
36. Adam Miller,
9. Gary Mulligan
10. Delroy Facey
Subs: 22. Derek Stillie, 19. Sean Clohessy, 20. Simeon Jackson, 28. Dennis Oli, 30. Leroy Griffiths
Crewe Alexandra: 1. Ben williams, 2. Danny Woodards, 4. Gary Roberts, 8. Michael O'Connor, 9. Nicky Maynard, 15. Tom Pope, 23. Danny O'Donnell, 28. George Abbey, 30. Patrick Boyle, 36. Dean Morgan, 34. Kenny Lunt,
Subs: 16. Ryan Lowe, 18. Byron Moore, 35. Jo Anyinsa, 21. Owen Fon-Williams, 7. Steven Schumacher
