Stoke 0 Gillingham 0

GILLINGHAM held their own in this crucial clash at the Brittania Stadium against Stoke to retain their Division One status. The Kent club needed only a point to stay up and they did it on goal difference.

Walsall won 3-2 at home to Rotherham in a dramatic game at the Bescot Stadium but it wasn't enough to prevent them slipping into Division Two next season.

Thousands of Gillingham supporters made the trip to Stoke to support Andy Hessenthaler and his team in what was one of the most crucial games in the club's history. They were singing all the way back to Kent.

Stoke were on top early on but Gillingham's Chris Hope had a header cleared off the line by Karl Henry in the 13th minute. Former Gills favourite Carl Asaba should have put Stoke ahead in the 17th minute but he missed his kick as the ball bobbled out the rutted pitch.

Gifton Noel-Williams floated a header just past the upright on the half hour but Gills missed two great chances just before the break.

Stoke keeper Ed de Goey foiled Patrick Agyemang and Hope to keep the score level.

Noel-Williams spurned a great chance when he allowed the ball to skim of his head four yards out when he should have done better. But Banks produced a wonder save from Gerry Taggart to claw the ball out.

Gills didn't really threaten much in the second half but did enough to keep Stoke at bay for that all-important point.