We look back on how the 2013/14 season unfolded for Gillingham FC in their first season back in Sky Bet League One
The Gills came in to the 2013/14 campaign on the crest of a wave having been crowned champions of League Two in April 2013, and with a number of exciting players walking through the door during pre-season, fans were naturally full of optimism as the club prepared to take on a fresh set of challenges on their return to Sky Bet League One.We take a look back at how the season unfolded month by month, beginning with the Gills fitness camp in Le Touquet last July.
JULY
Just a few days before the squad prepared to travel to Northern France, Gills captured the signature of striker Cody McDonald who returned to MEMS Priestfield Stadium for a third time after a brief loan spell in our championship winning campaign.
He teamed up once more with Bayo Akinfenwa, who had already penned a one-year deal, with Amine Linganzi and Antonio German joining from Accrington and Brentford respectively.
Gills came out of pre-season with three wins, all away fixtures at non-league clubs. Millwall, Crystal Palace and Ipswich all left Priestfield with victories.
Results –
Faversham Town (A) 2-4 – 29.06.13
Ashford Town (A) 1-2 – 29.06.13
Bromley (A) 0-3 – 06.07.13
Ipswich Town (H) 1-2 – 16.07.13
Millwall (H) 1-3 – 20.07.13
Crystal Palace (H) 0-3 – 23.7.13
Woking (A) – 0-3 – 27.7.13
AUGUST
Gills suffered defeat on the opening day of the season after Andy Bond’s 89th minute goal gave Colchester all three points in a 1-0 win at Priestfield.
Matt Fish suffering a serious knee injury in the opening minutes which would rule him out for virtually the entire season.
Three days later Bristol City were the visitors, winning 2-0 in the first round of the Capital One Cup before Wolves inflicted a heavy defeat on Martin Allen’s side with a comfortable 4-0 victory at Molineux.
Uwe Rosler’s Brentford then stole a point right at the death to prevent Gills first win of the season after Bayo Akinfenwa had given the hosts a first half lead – Farid El Alagui with the decisive equaliser in the 95th minute.
Two draws were to follow – a 2-2 result at the County Ground as McDonald pounced to clinch a point, while Bristol City were unable to produce a repeat scoreline from their cup exploits, with 1-1 being the final score with Akinfenwa again on target.
Results:
Bristol City – (H) 1-1 – 31.08.13
Swindon – (A) 2-2 – 24.08.13
Brentford – (H) 1-1 – 17.08.13
Wolves – (A) 4-0 – 10.8.13
Bristol City – (H) 0-2 – 06.08.13 (CAPITAL ONE CUP)
Colchester – (H) 0-1 – 03.08.13
SEPTEMBER
Gills endured four straight defeats at the start of the month – Leyton Orient winning 3-1 in the first round of the JPT at Priestfield, prior to back to back away defeats at Crawley and Coventry respectively.
Bradford inflicted further pain by taking all three points on the road; however in the next game at Crewe the Gills finally clinched their first win of the season with a 3-0 triumph. Cody McDonald, Adam Barrett and Joe Martin with the goals in a convincing display.
Results :
Crewe Alexandra (A) 0-3 – 28.09.13
Bradford City (H) 0-1 – 21.09.13
Coventry City (A) – 2-1 – 15.09.13
Crawley Town (A) – 3-2 – 07.09.13
Leyton Orient (H) 1-3 – 03.09.13 (JPT)
To read official match reports of the above games click here.
Further highlights can be viewed on gfcofficial.
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