Reading 2 Gillingham 1

GILLINGHAM slipped to a third consecutive defeat at Reading on Tuesday night after suffering the heartbreak of conceding an 85th minute goal.

A draw was the least Gillingham deserved on a night when they played with renewed spirit and endeavour to frustrate the home side who were looking to celebrate new manager Steve Coppell's first game in charge with a win.

Within the opening 40 seconds Gillingham went close to taking the lead when Rod Wallace's shot struck the inside of a post.

Reading took the lead in the 54th minute when Scott Murray outjumped Ian Cox at the far post to head home Nick Shorey's cross.

Marlon King drew Gillingham level in the 72nd minute when he pounced on a mistake by Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann for his fifth goal of the season.

Gills were heading for a draw when Steve Sidwell struck the winner from Shaun Goater's lay-off.

Attendance: 13,011