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Dagenham 1 Gillingham 1: Josh Walker’s goal cancelled out by Scott Kashket in FA Cup Second Round match

Gillingham’s FA Cup interest remains after Scott Kashket struck a 92nd minute equaliser against non-league Dagenham.

Josh Walker struck with 10 minutes left to give Dagenham the lead but Gillingham kept themselves in the tie and booked themselves a replay when substitute Kashket fired home late on.

Gillingham manager Neil Harris Picture: KPI
Gillingham manager Neil Harris Picture: KPI

Ben Reeves was the only change to the Gillingham side - in for Hakeeb Adelakun - after an encouraging league performance at Crawley on the Tuesday. It was goalless that night but there had been signs of improvements. Four days later and chances were hard to come by at Dagenham.

Neil Harris’ men had saved their best form for the cups this season prior to the match at Dagenham - a team capable of scoring and conceding in equal amounts - and the Gills looked up for it from the off, bright and lively, but it wasn’t long before the hosts got themselves involved. The non-league outfit played with the confidence that four straight wins brings.

Gillingham failed to test the home keeper in the opening half, without a shot on target, and their best chance of the half went begging when Dom Jefferies slipped. Mikael Mandron had brought the ball out of defence from a Dagenham corner and played the midfielder through on goal, only for him to lose his footing.

Jefferies had a shot blocked moments after his slip and the midfielder got close again when running at goal, only to be denied by a timely challenge from Manny Onariase. That was as good as it got for the Gills in the opening half.

Much of the attacking intent came from Dagenham, with forwards Junior Morias and Josh Walker buzzing around the box. Both had efforts saved by Jake Turner, although they were routine stops. Harry Phipps headed over and Matt Robinson fired wide as Gillingham kept the home side at arm’s length.

The break came with Daggers winning the shot count 12-1 but the game remained goalless.

Dagenham started the second half the better of the two sides but were unable to make the most of a coupe of well-positioned free-kicks. Robinson also fired over for the home side as the Gills struggled to make an impact of their own upfront.

With an hour hone Harris made a triple change to try and get his team firing, with Scott Kashket, Jordan Green and Lewis Walker introduced. The first job Walker had to do was make an important headed clearance off the line, however, as a cross was whipped in towards goal with Turner beaten.

With 20 minutes left the Gills had appeals for a penalty when Robbie McKenzie went down in the box but referee Darren Drysdale wasn’t interested. The same player soon after had his side’s first shot on target, an angled drive that keeper Elliot Justham got behind.

It was the start of a positive spell for the Gills, with Walker crowded out from a penalty and defenders also getting back in numbers to deny Ben Reeves.

Dagenham took the lead with 10 minutes left when Walker got between defenders Will Wright and Max Ehmer, leaving both on the deck as he tucked the ball home infront of the travelling fans.

Gillingham levelled with two minutes of stoppage-time played when Jordan Green’s low ball in was converted by Kashket.

Gillingham: Turner, Alexander (Adelakun 85mins), McKenzie, Ehmer, Wright, Williams, O’Keefe (Green 60mins), Jefferies, Reeves (MacDonald 77mins), Mandron (Kashket 60mins), Gbode (Walker 60mins). Subs not used: Holtam, Mnoga, Law, Baggott.

Dagenham: Justham, Hare, Onariase, Phipps, Sagaf, Weston, Rance, Robinson, Mussa (Saunders 78mins), Morias, Walker. Subs not used: Dixson, E Johnson, Zouma, Janneh, Scott, Franz, Bird.

Referee: Darren Drysdale

Attendance: 1,702 (367 away)

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