Gillingham continued their impressive form and solidified their position at the top of League Two with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chesterfield at Priestfield Stadium.
Robbie McKenzie’s early header proved decisive in a match in which both sides finished with 10 men. Mark Bonner’s side remained top until at least 5 p.m. Their victory against a decent Chesterfield side was very much a promotion six-pointer if there is such a thing at this stage of the season.
The Gills started brightly, with McKenzie nodding home a perfectly placed free-kick from Jack Nolan in just the eighth minute. This put the hosts ahead and set the tone for a determined display. This well-executed set-piece goal highlighted Gillingham’s ability to capitalize on their chances, a key factor in their strong start to the season.
Despite the early lead, Chesterfield initially threatened, almost taking the lead in the fourth minute when Darren Oldaker’s long-range free-kick rattled the crossbar. The visitors continued to push, with Dilan Markanday missing a promising opportunity shortly after as his powerful shot flew just wide of the target.
Chesterfield’s frustrations grew in the second half when Markanday found the back of the net, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. The Gills, however, remained resolute in defence, even when captain Max Ehmer was sent off for a second yellow card on the hour mark. Down to 10 men, Gillingham showed their resilience, soaking up pressure and denying Chesterfield a way back into the game.
Chesterfield came close to an equalizer late when Tom Naylor struck the crossbar, but the Gills’ defence held firm. Chesterfield’s hopes were dashed when Chey Dunkley was also sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving them with ten men and little time to mount a comeback.
Writer’s View
Mark Bonner did such a good job at Cambridge, but couldn’t work his magic in the third tier. At Gillingham, there’s a certain expectation of third tier football, and Bonner appears to be a man who can deliver that. This performance had a lot of the hallmarks of a team likely to win promotion – starting well, and then holding out with ten men. It’s not just players that win you promotion, it’s character and spirit and this Gills side look to have that.
Chesterfield are a decent side, they hit the frame of the goal three times and could easily have snatched something. They’ll be around the top seven, and that means that this result will look much better after 35 games than perhaps it does after four. This was a promotion six-pointer, without a doubt, and Gills fans will be delighted to have come through it with maximum points.
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