Gills hold on for point

By Jack Nolan
August 26 2006

Gillingham held on for a point at Bloomfield Road on a sunny Band Holiday in Blackpool. Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu put the Gills ahead with just three minutes gone, scoring his first Gills goal, but then Scott Vernon equalised to secure a point for the Seasider's.

FT: Blackpool.1.1.Gillingham

Gillingham took an early lead at Bloomfield Road after a maiden Gills goal by Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu. Blackpool later equalised through striker Scott Vernon.

It took just three minutes for the Gills to open the scoring and it was Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu who found the net. After fantastic work by Danny Jackman on the left wing, he got the cross in and then picked out Guylain who celebrated scoring his first Gills goal by running over to the Gills boss who kept his faith in the young forward.

Not long after Matt Jarvis doubled the Gills’ advantage after breaking free of the defence and getting one on one with ‘keeper Rhys Evans but fortunately for the Seasider’s, couldn’t direct his effort into the back of the net.

Blackpool then had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Forbes went down following Flynn’s challenge in the box, but referee Mr. Pike was right near the challenge. The referee chose not to book Forbes though despite not giving the spot kick, which would have probably seen the already booked Flynn shown a second yellow.

Alan Pouton wasn’t letting anything go through him and intercepted and blocked many passes and crosses helping the Gills’ retain their one goal advantage.

But the breakthrough for Blackpool came five minutes past the half-hour mark when Blackpool striker Scott Vernon latched onto Wesley Hoolahan from the left wing and headed past Darren Randolph in the Gills goal.

The Gills then missed a glorious opportunity on the verge of half time when Andrew Crofts saw his 20-yard effort well stopped by Blackpool stopper Rhys Evans.

The Seasider’s bossed the second half and had many chances to take the lead. Three minutes past half time, Darren Randolph pulled off a cracking save, saving from Andy Morrel who raced clear from the sleeping Gills defence and saw his goal-bound effort brilliantly saved by on loan ‘keeper Darren Randolph between the sticks.

Mulligan then saw his fine effort late on saved by Rhys Evans late on, but the Gills held on to earn a point in a game which Blackpool probably deserved three.