Robbie McKenzie’s sensational long-range strike ensured that Gillingham left The Poundland Bescot Stadium with a point in a 1-1 draw against table-topping Walsall.
Jamille Matt had given the hosts the lead four minutes into the second half, deflecting Connor Barrett’s shot into the goal.
McKenzie brought the visitors level on 68 minutes. He had the time and space to set himself before unleashing a thunderbolt from around 25 yards goalward. His attempt cannoned off the underside of the crossbar before bouncing into the back of the net.
John Coleman made three changes to the side following the defeat to Barrow. Dom Corness made his full Gillingham debut, while Remeao Hutton and Max Clark returned to the starting XI.
Shad Ogie and Bradley Dack were named among the substitutes, and Jayden Clarke came back into the matchday squad.
Max Ehmer had the first opportunity of the game. Gills had a free-kick by the left touchline, which Armani Little curled into the penalty area. It found the head of Ehmer, who did well to guide it goalwards, but it was straight at Tommy Simkin in the Walsall goal.
In the 25th minute, Evan Weir tried a speculative effort from outside the penalty area, sending a left-footed strike well over the crossbar.
The hosts began applying pressure on the Gills penalty area, as they had six corners in succession. The visitors had to put the ball behind their own goal twice before Weir nearly scored from a corner. His inswinger from the right was heading goalwards before being stopped just in front of the goal line. Gillingham then countered through Joe Gbode, alleviating the pressure.
The forward had a half-chance shortly before the break. Little played a free-kick out to the right for Hutton, who centred the ball. Gbode rose the highest, but could not make get clear contact on his header, as Simkin comfortably gathered.
HALF-TIME: Walsall 0-0 Gillingham
Matt gave Walsall the lead four minutes into the second period. A cross-field pass found Connor Barrett, who did well to cut inside onto his left foot before shooting. His attempt was seemingly going well off target before deflecting off Matt, redirecting the ball towards the goal and into the back of the net, leaving Glenn Morris with no chance.
A last-ditch tackle from Clark denied Walsall a golden chance to double their advantage after they picked up on a loose ball inside the box. Just as The Saddlers’ player was about to shoot, Clark came across to regain possession before clearing his lines.
In the 68th minute, Robbie McKenzie scored a thunderbolt to bring Gillingham level. He received the ball 25 yards from the goal before unleashing a ferocious shot goalward. The ball cannoned off the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the back of the net, leaving Simkin helpless.
The visitors made two changes on 73 minutes, as Oli Hawkins and Jack Nolan replaced Gbode and Corness.
Gills had a penalty appeal after Simkin failed to deal with a long ball forward, allowing Nevitt to capitalise. As he took a touch inside the penalty area, he was seemingly brought down by a Walsall defender, who had taken an attempted swipe at the ball. However, the referee remained unmoved, allowing the game to continue.
Hutton came close with ten minutes remaining. He had the ball outside the area before cutting inside onto his left foot and bending a shot towards the top left corner. It whistled just over the crossbar, with Simkin having to get across to ensure he had it covered.
As the game was entering the closing stages, Gillingham caused chaos inside the hosts penalty area. Hutton’s low ball was cleared as far as Little, who struck goalward. It took a deflection on its way to the goal before being cleared off the line. Hawkins attempted to reach the loose ball and was seemingly brought down by a Walsall defender. However, the referee waved away any calls for a penalty.
Jimmy-Jay Morgan entered the proceedings with five minutes remaining, replacing Nevitt.
Danny Johnson, who had recently come on, nearly restored Walsall’s lead when he latched onto a long ball in behind the Gillingham defence. Morris came off his line to close the angle, forcing Johnson to try and lob him. Fortunately, his attempt floated onto the top of the net, allowing the visitors to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
FULL-TIME: Walsall 1-1 Gillingham
Walsall: Simkin, Barrett, L. Gordon, McEntee, Matt (Amantchi 89’), J. Gordon (Harrison 55’), Jellis (Johnson 85’), Williams, Stirk, Okagbue, Weir
Unused Substitutes: Hornby, Lakin, Comley, Adomah
Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Smith, Ehmer, Gale, Clark, McKenzie, Little, Corness (Nolan 73’), Nevitt (Morgan 85’), Gbode (Hawkins 73’)
Unused Substitutes: Turner, Ogie, Dack, Clarke
Referee: Thomas Parsons
Attendance: 6229 (203 Gillingham supporters)
