Walsall 2 Gillingham 1

GILLINGHAM player-manager Andy Hessenthaler unwittingly put through his own goal eight minutes from the end to hand Walsall victory at the Bescot Stadium on Monday night.

Hessenthaler, whose second half introduction as a substitute for Danny Spiller had coincided with a huge improvement, was helpless as Chris Baird's shot deflected off him and past debut-making Gillingham goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu.

It was rough luck on the Gills boss and his players who had hauled themselves back into contention and in sight of a point. Walsall had taken a 35th minute lead through Pedro Matias's low 20-yard drive.

On-loan Wayne Brown equalised for Gillingham with a 48th minute penalty after Vinny Samways had handled.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw until Hessenthaler scored an own goal for the first time in a long career.

Deep into stoppage time Gillingham went close to sharing the points when substitute Tommy Johnson's shot was brilliantly turned aside by Walsall goalkeeper James Walker.

Attendance: 6,395.