Tim Dieng’s second-half opener proved not to be enough for the Gills as Harrogate scored twice in 12 minutes to seal victory at ME7.
Mark Bonner and his men looked to re-enter the play-off places but Josh March’s 70th minute goal proved the difference with Anthony O’Connor having equalised.
The Gills boss made two changes to the starting XI from the last league game against Port Vale. Ethan Coleman and Elliott Nevitt coming back into the side with Jacob Wakeling, Jonny Williams and Armani Little missing out.
Marcus Wyllie had the first chance of the game just after 15 minutes. He received the ball through the legs of a Harrogate defender and had a chance to shoot towards goal but was brought down in the process. Priestfield erupted with penalty shouts but the referee waved away the protests.
James Daly found the ball at his feet just outside of the penalty area shortly after, he shifted the ball onto his left foot and struck towards goal but the effort drifted narrowly wide and the chance went begging. In the 31st minute the Gills had a half chance as Remeao Hutton crossed the ball to Max Clark on the opposite side of the pitch, but his left footed shot went over the bar.
H/T: Gillingham 0-0 Harrogate Town
Tim Dieng opened the scoring for the Gills just after 51 minutes played. Clark produced a good corner-kick delivery and the ball was allowed to bounce inside the box, which found Dieng at the back post and he got just enough on the ball to guide it home. Shortly after that, Elliott Nevitt was allowed to run through on the left side but was shown a tight angle and struck the post.
Harrogate had a chance to equalise when Dean Cornelius hit the ball from 20 yards out which took a deflection on its way through, and Jake Turner demonstrated quick reactions with a firm punch away, resulting in a corner.
However a minute later Harrogate found an equaliser through O’Connor. James Daly delivered a shot from outside the box which eventually hit the post, O’Connor was the first to the loose ball and provided the equaliser from close range.
Mark Bonner introduced some new faces with Elliott Nevitt making way for Josh Andrews while George Lapslie replaced Ethan Coleman.
Josh March put the visitors ahead in the 70th minute when the ball was played through the Gills defence and he was left one-on-one with Turner. He rushed out to meet March but the ball was slotted through his legs and into the back of the net giving Harrogate the lead.
Euan Williams went down with a slight knock and received treatment on the 75th mark. A double substitution was then made by Bonner with Williams and Shad Ogie being replaced by Robbie McKenzie and Jayden Clarke respectively as Gills sent men forward.
In the closing minutes of the game there was a huge chance for the Gills. Jack Nolan gave the ball to Wyllie along the right hand side who provided a low cross to Josh Andrews who was unmarked, however with only the keeper in front of him, he couldn't keep his body over the ball and keep the shot down. The effort cleared the bay by a few yards.
F/T: Gillingham 1-2 Harrogate Town
Gills: Jake Turner, Remeao Hutton, Max Clark, Conor Masterson, Max Ehmer ©, Ethan Coleman (Lapslie 69), Marcus Wyllie, Elliott Nevitt (Andrews 62) , Euan Williams, (McKenzie 76)) Shad Ogie (Clarke 76), Tim Dieng (Nolan 69)
Unused subs: Glenn Morris, Joe Gbode
Harrogate Town: James Belshawe ©, Zico Asare, Jasper Moon, Dean Cornelius, Stephen Duke-McKenna (Burrell 90), James Daly, Toby Sims, Anthony O’Connor, Jack Muldoon, Stephen Dooley, Josh March (Nto 84)
Unused subs: Mark Oxley, Josh Falkingham, Sam Folarin, Levi Sutton, Marcus Etherington
Attendance: 5611 (78)
Referee: Mr Matthew Russell
