Gillingham's players show their despair as Bradford's late winner goes into the net Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Matthew Panting

Manager Andy Hessenthaler laid the blame for Gillingham’s defeat against Bradford on goalkeeper Lance Cronin after his last-gasp blunder.

Cronin was out-jumped by Bradford defender Steve Williams in the final minute, for the only goal of the game, as the Gills slumped to defeat and dropped to 20th in the table.

Hessenthaler said: “I am disappointed as we worked our socks off for 90-plus minutes and then conceded a soft goal right at the end.

“I would like to see the goal again but, for me, the keeper had to do better.

“He hasn’t had to make a save all game. He had nothing to do, not that their keeper had much to do either.

“He (Lance) said it was a foul but I think he (Williams) got above him – simple as that.

“To get that close and give it away at the end is a bitter pill to take.

“We knew that we could come up here and get something from the game. I can’t fault the effort.”