The S24 Preview: Gillingham v Southend United

We all have "one of those days" and yesterday was one of those days. With Manchester United and Chelsea doing battle at the wealthy end of football's food chain we had earmarked a pub with the requisite satellite television and food in which to watch the game and set out earlier than usual to arrive in time for the 12.45 kick off.

Worries that Easter might cause traffic problems were unfounded and we reached the Old Grey Mare with time to spare, but as kick off approached the staff were still wrestling with the vagaries of an Italian feed from Old Trafford and we had also been told that no food would be available as it was a match day. Heaving pub, surely a missed opportunity?

Chelsea proved themselves the real deal and we departed in search of the local chippy rather disconsolate given our United leanings and our mood was not lifted by the closed sign on the door.

At least Ice Station Zebra was not living up to its label with the weather reasonably mild as we took our seats among the 250 or so Gillingham fans to the left of the Oldham support in the Rochdale Road stand. Simeon Jackson was not to be risked and Chris Dickson made a start for the visitors.

The first half had such quality that had you stumbled across a Medway Sunday League game this morning whilst walking the dog you would have seen something that bore comparison. Chances were few and far between and neither goalkeeper was seriously tested. Dickson was no Messiah and Rene Howe was far more effective in his general play. Oldham left the field at half time to a chorus of boos, the Gillingham fans hardened by their season's travelling woes took the half in its merit, at least we wasn't losing.

The second half began with a chance for Dickson. The striker was set free following a long Danny Jackman pass wildly lashed the ball high into the visiting supporters in what proved to be his last act as he was hooked almost immediately. It had been a very indifferent hour for the man on which so many hopes had been pinned.

On the hour, in the one moment of quality, Lewis Guy fastened onto a pass from Dale Stephens after Gillingham had allowed the ball to go loose in midfield. The striker, on loan from Doncaster, steered the ball wide of Alan Julian to give the home side the advantage.

After a dodgy spell when Pavel Abbott had a couple of half chances, Gillingham at least mounted a desperate bid to retrieve a point. Adam Miller, one of the few Gillingham players that could leave Boundary Park with his head held high, brought a decent save from ex-loanee Dean Brill but the majority of the attacks foundered on the rock of our old adversary, Sean Gregan.

The Easter traffic proved as helpful on the return journey and we quickly sped our way towards an evening with a live band at the local pub. The group were good, but there seemed more people intent on chatting with their mates than listening to the music. I guess they were having a good time in their own way, but then a good time had already passed me by on this particular Easter Saturday.

Gillingham: Julian, Nutter, Lewis, Richards, Dennehy, Jackman, Weston, Barcham, Miller, Dickson (Walker 58mins), Howe. Subs not used: Royce, Fuller, Maher, Bentley, Gowling, Payne.

Oldham: Brill, Worthington (Whitaker 46mins), Hazell, Abbott (Eaves 80mins), Guy, Gregan, Taylor, Lee, Stephens, Black, Millar (Marrow 86mins). Subs not used: Aljofree, Brooke, Ollerenshaw, Colbeck.

Attendance: 3,486.