Bournemouth 3 Gillingham 3
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By Luke Cawdell
Gillingham earned themselves an FA Cup first
round replay after Danny Kedwell struck a last-gasp equaliser on
Saturday.
The Gills looked dead and buried at 3-1 down
but goals from Danny Jackman and Kedwell made the game level.
Gillingham found themselves behind on 20
minutes when Stephen Purches lashed in an effort that bounced
in off the underside of the bar from 25 yards.
The chance came after Gillingham had scrambled
a corner clear – a set-piece that came about after keeper Paulo
Gazzaniga had blocked Marc Pugh’s effort from point-blank
range.
Gazzaniga had stepped in for only his second
Gillingham start after regular stopper Ross Flitney was ruled out
with a knee injury. He was one of four changes for the Gills, with
Garry Richards also missing through injury, while loan pair Jo
Kuffour and Frank Nouble were not permitted to play in the cup by
their parent clubs.
The Gills, who had started the game brightly,
found themselves under increasing pressure after Purches had given
the home side the lead. Striker Wes Thomas was keeping Gazzaniga
busy in the goal but against the run of play Jack Payne restored
parity with a stunner.
His only other Gillingham goal was a blockbuster earlier in the season against
Barnet but his 37th minute equaliser was even better. From 35
yards he tried his luck and the ball sailed over the head of home
keeper Darryl Flahavan.
Bournemouth’s impetus dissolved but on the
stroke of half-time Thomas again tested Gazzaniga, this time with a
half volley from the edge of the box, which the Gills keeper pushed
away for a corner.
The hosts started the second half on the
attack and were rewarded with a goal on 59 minutes when Gazzaniga
dropped a free-kick and Stephane Zubar was on hand to smash the
ball into the net.
A minute later Bournemouth made it 3-1 when
the Gills’ defence were pulled apart and Scott Malone took full
advantage.
Gillingham looked all-but finished but when
Fish was chopped down on the edge of the box the visitors conjured
up a training-ground routine. Flahavan fumbled Jackman’s shot which
ended up in the back of the net with 20 minutes left.
Substitute Stefan Payne just missed a golden
chance to make it 3-3 as Fish's cross was whipped in on a plate for
the striker but he couldn't connect. Gazzaniga, at fault for the
second goal, made a great sliding save to deny Thomas at the
other end and the Argentine keeper also did well to save Malone’s
close-range header.
The hosts should have had the game won but a
Charlie Lee throw-in was flicked on by Lewis Montrose and Kedwell
tucked away the loose ball. It means the two sides meet again at
Priestfield next Tuesday.
Gillingham: Gazzaniga, Fish,
Martin, Frampton, Lawrence, J Payne (Montrose 80mins), Jackman,
Lee, Whelpdale (Oli 66mins), Rooney (S Payne 77mins), Kedwell. Subs
not used: King, Rance, Essam.
Bournemouth: Flahavan,
Cummings, Barrett, Thomas, Symes, Arter, Pugh, Malone, Francis,
Purhces, Zubar. Subs not used: Jalal, Fletcher, Taylor, Molesley,
Lindsey, Carmichael, Ward.
Attendance: 4,282
Picture: Ady Kerry
What did you make of Gillingham's FA Cup comeback? Have
your say in the comments section below.
Saturday, November 12 2011
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