Gills extend their unbeaten run to 14 games following a hard fought 1-0 win over Southend.
Gillingham made it three wins on the bounce in Sky Bet League 1 with a battling 1-0 victory over Southend United at Roots Hall on Tuesday evening.
Connor Ogilvie’s goal after 66 minutes was enough for the Gills, who also extended their unbeaten run in the league to 14 games.
Gillingham manager Steve Evans made two changes from the side that picked up a hard-fought win over Doncaster Rovers at the weekend. Ben Pringle and the injured Stuart O’Keefe dropped out, with Mikael Mandron and Matty Willock coming into the XI.
The Gills had the game’s first effort after seven minutes, with Tommy O’Connor’s corner coming through to Connor Ogilvie, whose shot flew harmlessly wide.
At the other end, Southend had their first effort through Harry Kyprianou, who volleyed over from outside of the box after Barry Fuller’s headed clearance. After half an hour, Stephen McLaughlin had the contest’s first shot on target, striking a free-kick from range that was well held by Jack Bonham.
As half time approached, the hosts came forward again, this time with Elvis Bwomono shooting goalwards, but straight into the hands of Bonham.
H/T: Southend United 0-0 Gillingham
Gillingham made their first change at half time, with Mikael Mandron coming off to be replaced by Jordan Graham.
The Gills had the first opening of the second half; Brandon Hanlan taking aim from range, and seeing his shot deflected wide. From the resulting corner, O’Connor picked out Ogilvie in the middle, but he couldn’t divert his header on target.
The away side were looking much more threatening in the second half, and came close in bizarre fashion, as Graham’s cross was nearly turned into his own net by Miles Mitchell-Nelson.
At the other end, Southend had a good chance to go in front, with Charlie Kelman coming in off the left side, before having his low shot parried by Bonham down to his left. With half an hour to go, the Gills made their second sub, as Olly Lee came on to take the place of Matty Willock.
With 66 minutes on the clock, the Gills had the lead, as Graham’s cross picked out the oncoming Ogilvie, who bulleted a header into the net. 0-1
Within minutes the Gills could have doubled their advantage, Hanlan rising highest to head O’Connor’s corner over the bar.
In the final minute of the 90, Southend should have been level, as the ball dropped to substitute Matt Rush on the edge of the penalty area, but he dragged his shot just wide of the post.
In the final minute of added time, the Gills made their final change, as Jordan Roberts was replaced by Regan Charles-Cook.
F/T: Southend United 0-1 Gillingham
Southend United: Seaden, Bwomono, Milligan, Dieng, McLaughlin, Mantom, Kelman, Kyprianou (Shaughnessy 74), Clifford, Egbri (Rush 84), Mitchell-Nelson
Unused subs: Taylor, Klass, Barratt, Hutchinson, Kinali
Gillingham: Bonham, Fuller, Ehmer, Tucker, Ogilvie, Willock (Lee 61), O’Connor, Hanlan, Roberts (Charles-Cook 93), Mandron (Graham 45), Akinde
Unused subs: Walsh, Jones, Pringle, Woods
Referee: Mr T Kettle
Attendance: 6021 (877 away)