Bradley Dack was inches away from finding what would have been a last-gasp winner as Gillingham were held to a goalless draw with Newport County at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.
Gareth Ainsworth made two changes to the starting XI that lost at York, as Lamin Sillah returned to the team after missing the previous fixture due to a head injury. Garath McCleary also came into the side, while Tom Eaves was named among the substitutes after re-signing in midweek.
James Brophy made a crucial goal line clearance to deny Michael Adu-Poku. The Newport winger won the ball on the left-hand side of the Gillingham penalty area before carrying the ball inside and curling a shot towards the far bottom corner. It had Ollie Wright beaten, but Brophy recovered just in time to get back onto the line and clear it for a throw.
Lee Jenkins had a gilt-edged opportunity when Harrison Biggins’ free-kick into the penalty area found him unmarked. Fortunately, he could not keep his header down, as he cleared the crossbar.
Harry Waldock came close in the 17th minute. Nick Freeman’s cross was blocked, and the loose ball came out to Waldock, who was around 20 yards out from the goal. The academy graduate shifted the ball onto his left foot before curling a shot towards the far bottom corner. His attempt had Jordan Wright beaten, but went just wide of the post.
Ollie Wright had to be alert to keep out Adu-Poku’s shot. The visitors enjoyed a spell of possession before Adu-Poku received the ball on the edge of the area and got a low drive off. Wright got down to his left to push it away from the goal, but Matthew Jacob was first to the rebound. Fortunately, he could only strike the ball into the side netting.
In the 29th minute, Freeman tried his luck. Andy Smith did well to control a cross-field pass with his chest before playing it inside to Freeman. He carried it into the penalty area before shooting with his left foot. However, it was at a comfortable height for Jordan Wright, who caught the attempt.
Newport continued to cause the Gills issues with set pieces, as Christian Doidge should have done better. Biggins’ delivery from the right went deep towards the back post, finding Cameron Norman, who headed it across the face of the six-yard box. Doidge ran onto it to head goalward, but cleared the crossbar.
Waldock produced an incredible low cross after 40 minutes. He received the ball on the right before turning and making his way into the penalty area. The midfielder had a defender alongside him and waited for an inch of space before drilling the ball across the face of the six-yard box. His delivery was an excellent one, needing just a touch to force the ball home, but there was nobody in the vicinity.
HALF-TIME: Gillingham 0-0 Newport County
In the 63rd minute, Eaves made his return to action at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium, replacing Sillah.
Ronan Hale was denied by a crucial block after 70 minutes. Freeman played the ball down the right wing for Waldock to chase, and he carried it forwards before sending a low ball towards the penalty spot. Hale met it, sending a first-time low drive goalward, but it was well blocked by a visiting defender.
In the 74th minute, the hosts made a double substitution, with Jack Daley and Sheldon Kendall replacing Logan Dobbs and McCleary.
Biggins had a half-chance from a free-kick that was around 25 yards from the goal in a central position. Fortunately, he could not keep his attempt down, as it curled over the crossbar.
Ollie Wright had to be alert to keep out Norman’s low drive. Newport had a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, and it was laid off for Norman to send a shot goalward. Wright saw it late and did well to react and save with his feet.
Gillingham made their final two changes with a little under five minutes remaining, as Armani Little and Bradley Dack replaced Waldock and Hale.
The hosts had a half-chance in stoppage time when Freeman sent the ball goalward with a first-time attempt. Dack made contact with it to redirect the ball, but it lacked the power to test Jordan Wright.
Dack came close at the death. Daley hooked the ball into the penalty area and found an unmarked Dack, who flicked it towards the goal with a header. It went over Jordan Wright and looked destined to loop in under the crossbar, but landed on the roof of the net.
FULL-TIME: Gillingham 0-0 Newport County
Gillingham: O. Wright, A. Smith, Beckles, Dobbs (Daley 74’), Freeman, McKenzie, Waldock (Little 86’), Brophy, McCleary (Kendall 74’), Hale (Dack 86’), Sillah (Eaves 63’)
Unused Substitutes: Luthra, Coleman
Newport County: J. Wright, Norman, Jenkins, Cameron, Jacob, Thomas, Brennan, Dibley-Dias, Biggins (Lewis 90+6’), Doidge (Garner 83’), Adu-Poku (Bamba 76’)
Unused Substitutes: MacDonald, Sassi, Merritt, M. Smith
Referee: Carl Brook
Attendance: 5872 (236)
