A look back at the promotion winning campaign
We have reached December as Richard Day reviews the record-breaking 2012-13 League Two title winning campaign…Once again the month started with an FA Cup tie against League One opposition, this time it was Preston North End up at Deepdale.
Two first-half goals from Jeffrey Monakana and Stuart Beavon put the home side in pole position and when Deon Burton struck a post from the penalty spot right at the start of the second 45 minutes the uphill battle proved too much.
A week later former Miller Burton proved to be the hero as he silenced three-quarters of the New York Stadium when netting twice and earn the Gills all three points in a 2-1 win against Steve Evans’ in-form Rotherham United.
Unfortunately the victory was soured somewhat following a horror challenge on Romain Vincelot that led to a lengthy second-half stoppage.
Burton opened the scoring in the 11th minute, slotting low past Andy Warrington, after Danny Kedwell had flicked on Charlie Lee’s long throw and he increased the lead twelve minutes into the second-half when he held off two defenders before finding the far corner and celebrated in front of the 511 travelling Gills supporters.
Stuart Nelson made a number of fine saves to repel the home side and he was only beaten by Jason Taylor’s long-range volley that reduced the deficit on 69 minutes.
A week later (December 15) things looked bleak when Football League new boys Fleetwood Town took a two-goal lead at Priestfield but Gillingham’s never-say-die attitude saw them battle back to earn a point.
New Cod Army boss Graham Alexander saw his team net through Junior Brown and Alan Goodall before Charlie Lee pulled one back three minutes before the interval -the midfielder stabbing home at the far post after Kedwell flicked on Charlie Allen’s flag-kick.
Half-time substitute Myles Weston pounced to grab the equaliser in the 65th minute after another long throw from Lee was nodded towards goal by Vincelot.
There was little festive cheer here on Boxing Day however when a disappointing first-half performance ultimately led to lowly Barnet inflicting another home defeat on the Gills.
That said it took a number of great saves from Graham Stack plus some dogged, last-ditch defending to deny Gillingham after Jake Hyde had fired the Bees in front after 19 minutes.
League form - WDL League position at the end of the month – 2nd
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