City prove too good for Gills

By Robert Smith
November 20 2006

Bristol City proved too good for their opponents, as Gillingham lost 3-1 at Ashton Gate. The Gills opened the scoring with a goal from captain Michael Flynn. However, from then on it didn't get any better as the Robins scored twice then again near the end, as Gillingham were trying for the draw.

Bristol City 3 - 1 Gillingham
Ashton Gate
18/11/06
Coca-Cola Football League One

Attendance - 11,823

Gillingham knew this was an important game as it would put them closer to the play-offs and would set the tone for the next round of the cup against the same team. However, even though this one was lost and Gillingham slippped down the table, one feels that they will still fancy themselves in a FA cup game after having many chances and untill the 90th minuite were in the game all the way.

After a open start with good play from either teams, a low cross from Gillingham star Matty Jarvis, followed by a hold-up pass from Andrew Crofts, set the Gills captain Mikey Flynn up in the 15th minuite for a long range shot which he drilled into the top left hand corner of the net to score his 7th goal of the season.
However, Gillingham did not continue to attack as appealing to the referee against a corner meant that Gillingham were not ready for the continous Bristol City quick set-pieces. And in the 29th minuite, Richard Keogh half volleyed a shot into the net which Gillingham seemed to react too slowly too including keeper Kelvin Jack.

The game became very open as both sides saw good chances however, none seemed to prevail. Until the 77th minuite when the home side breaked through with Enoch Showunmi as the Gills defenders were caught off-guard after a counter attack.

The Goal left Gillingham not much time as they tried to get a point from a game where until then were in the running for a win. Many chances came for them with runs down the wing and multiple crosses but none of them seemed to previal.
And in the 92nd minuite the home side wrapped it up with a goal from Scott Murray as Gillingham were trying to push for the second goal which would have earned them a draw.

The three points for Bristol City put them third place on 32 points behind Scunthorpe because of Goal Difference although Gillingham dropped to 13th with a total of 24 points.

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City manager Gary Johnson praised his side after a 3 - 1 win over a stubborn Gillingham. Johnson said: "No team can defend for 90 minutes and we had to remain patient and try and play through them.
"We probably didn't get in as many shots as we would've liked but we always looked dangerous."

To sum up Gillingham nearly got a good result here but in the end perhaps Bristol City's extra fitness or the home advantage earned them the points. You have to wonder though whether Gills a right up there with the top teams in the league. Bring on the Robins again in the Second Round of the FA Cup as Gillingham may feel they can get revenge on Britol City after a good tight game in the league.