It was a night of disappointment in Kent as the Blues were unable to equal a club record of 12 away wins in a league season, as Gillingham held the Lancashire side to a 0-0 draw. Rovers and their loyal support were forced to travel down south for the second time, after the original fixture was postponed by the hosts on 17th March, due to snow.
In advance of kick-off, Tony Mowbray announced that only 1 change would be made to his starting 11, from the side that edged past Southend United with a 1-0 win on Saturday. Darragh Lenihan’s return to the side, was the change in question, as the Irishman, who made his 100th career appearance on the back of starting this game, returned at the expense of Paul Downing, who was dropped to the bench. The Rovers supporters would have been pleased to see Bradley Dack start the game, following the playmaker’s injury scare, after he departed the pitch against Southend United after only 12 minutes.
As the 840 Rovers supporters settled down in the top tier of the away end, it was the hosts who set themselves up to take the kick-off.
The game, during the first 8 minutes, was a sloppy affair, as neither side was able to retain possession and mount an attack on their opposition.
The first real chance of note inside the first 10 minutes, came on the 9th minute, where Gills’ striker, Conor Wilkinson, lined-up and struck a shot from the edge of the area, which fortunately for Rovers and David Raya, zipped past the upright and went behind for a goal-kick.
3 minutes after the Gills had their first attempt of the game, Rovers notched up one of their own as Corry Evans wound up a firm strike which had the ‘keeper, Tomas Hóly, scrambling to get across to get a hand to it. Despite Evans’ shot, the Hungarian shot-stopper did well to quickly move his feet and extend his reach long enough to tip the ball behind for a Rovers corner.
On the 17th minute, Gillingham managed to regain possession after a 5-minute spell of Rovers pressure, as they mounted their second attack of the game. Conor Wilkinson’s cross into the box met the rising Josh Parker, who did well to find space in the area and rise to make contact with the ball. Parker’s header, however, was well saved by David Raya who showed off his agility and reflexes as he managed to get down and deny the 27-year old.
Mid-way through the first period, Elliott Bennett required treatment after he landed awkwardly after competing in the air for a header and despite requiring a couple of minutes of attention, he was cleared to return to the pitch and continue the game.
On the 34th minute, Bradley Dack looked to have unlocked the defence of his former side, as he played in a lovely disguised ball into the box, which was meant for the head of his partner-in-crime, Danny Graham. Although the move was well worked, the ball into the box was well intercepted by Hóly as he came out to claim the cross.
As two minutes of time was added on, Rovers nearly headed into the break with the lead as Darragh Lenihan and Charlie Mulgrew combined well to test the hosting defence. Mulgrew whipped in a corner which saw Lenihan – who could have marked his 100th career appearance with a goal – rise the highest in the box before meeting the ball and using his head to simply glance the power of Mulgrew’s delivery towards goal. Fortunately for the Gills, they were let-off the hook as Lenihan’s header crept wide of the far-post and went behind for a goal-kick.
As referee Tony Harrington blew for half-time, both managers were left with a lot to ponder as their respective sides were unable to create a chance for the fans to talk about during the break. Tony Mowbray would have been fuming with his side’s lack of opportunities and their failure to maintain continuous possession of the ball. Mowbray’s opposite number, Steve Lovell would have been content with what his side had created, consider their position in the table and the stature of the opposition. Despite coming close to taking the lead through Josh Parker, Lovell would have been encouraged by what his side had defended so far.
As the sides re-emerged for the second-half, it was Rovers who got the second period of the game underway as they looked to get the vital goal that would re-affirm their position at the top of the league.
With little to no action inside the first 10 minutes of the second-half, Tony Mowbray decided to make a double change early in the half, to try and break down the resilient Gillingham side. Jack Payne and Peter Whittingham were introduced for Bradley Dack and Craig Conway, who were seemingly fatigued following Saturday’s game, and needed to be replaced with fresher legs.
On the 58th minute, 2 minutes after the double change by Rovers, the Blues were denied an opportunity to go ahead from the spot after Mr. Harrington waved away an apparent handball appeal.
On the 64th minute, Mowbray played his final substitution as Dominic Samuel was introduced for Danny Graham, who had a poor night with little to no service.
Within minutes after coming on, Samuel earnt Rovers a free-kick on the edge of the area, which allowed Mulgrew to come up and try his luck. Mulgrew came up to take the set-piece and managed to get his effort on target, but saw his strike saved by Hóly.
Until the 80th minute, Rovers were the dominant side in the game as they maintained control of the possession, but despite bringing on fresh legs, were unable to use that to their advantage and craft an opportunity to put the game beyond the Gills.
As the clock ticked over to 80 minutes, Josh Parker found himself through on goal, but was unable to properly take the ball into his stride as his heavy touch saw the ball dribble into the hands of the on-rushing David Raya.
Following Parker’s failed attempt at crafting an opportunity at goal, Steve Lovell made his first substitution of the game as Elliott List was brought on for Conor Wilkinson, who had run himself into the ground for his side throughout the game.
With 4 minutes remaining until added time was announced, Dominic Samuel once again did well to win a free-kick on the edge of the area, which Mulgrew once again stood up to take. As before, Scotland’s captain set his target upon the goal before striking the ball and producing another save from Hóly, who was unable to hold onto the ball as it fell into the path of Dominic Samuel, who fired wide of the mark, much to the travelling contingency’s frustration.
As the 90th minute approached, Gillingham made their 2nd change of the game as Josh Parker was withdrawn and replaced by Liam Nash.
A game of little chances and barely anything to get excited about for either side, saw both sets of supporters begin their journey home ruing missed opportunities. The Gillingham fans would have been disappointed that their side was unable to put one of few chances away to try and snatch 3 points. Contrastingly, the Rovers fans would have been irritated in that their side didn’t create as many chances as they their ability suggests they could have. Despite that, the most painful aspect for some supporters would have been the journey down, especially for those who had arrived when the fixture was originally scheduled to be played.
Following this disappointing draw, Rovers have dropped off the summit of the League 1 table into 2nd place, following Wigan Athletic’s 4-1 victory over Rochdale, which has seen the Latics move into top spot. Despite Rovers’ good form over the past 5 games, Wigan remain in pole position as a result of them having a game in-hand over their Lancashire rivals. In terms of points, this is how the top 3 looks; Wigan lead the way on 86 points with 40 games played and a goal difference of +54, Rovers are close behind with 86 points, 41 games played and a goal difference of +39 and finally, Shrewsbury Town are 3rd with 81 points, 40 games played and a goal difference of +22.
With 5 games of Rovers’ season left to go, the Blues’ next game sees them travel down to the West Country to face Bristol Rovers on Saturday 14th April at the Memorial Stadium where they’ll be backed by 1,200-odd Roverites. Following that trip, Tony Mowbray and his players will return to Ewood Park on Thursday 19th April where they play host to playoff chasing Peterborough United before the Sky Sports cameras. Once that tricky tie is overcome, Rovers’ penultimate away game of the season is at the Keepmoat Stadium, where they face Doncaster Rovers, on the 24th.
