Gills youngsters show resilience to earn a draw at Deal.
A very young Gillingham side put in a fantastic performance to earn a 2-2 draw with Deal Town at the Charles Sports Ground on Monday night.
Harry Laing put the hosts in front courtesy of a neat finish inside the box, and despite Deal creating numerous opportunities, they found keeper Henry Loveridge in inspired form as he, and the visiting defence, resisted heavy pressure until the break.
A number of changes were made at half-time, including the introduction of Jay Hards, and Gills enjoyed more consistent passages of possession and deservedly retook the lead in the 74th minute when one of the visiting trialists rose highest inside the box to head home a well taken corner.
Deal went searching for an equaliser and got it in the dying stages when a penalty was awarded for a late foul just inside the area. Loveridge got a hand on Troy Howard’s spot kick but he wasn’t able to keep it out, with both sides unable to force a winner in the remaining moments.
F/T: 2-2
Gills starting XI: Loveridge, Lamb, Witt, Trialist, Trialist, Blanks, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Laing, Bancroft.