Gillingham boss John Coleman voiced his frustration over the treatment of striker Oli Hawkins in their 2-1 defeat against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night.
The experienced forward was repeatedly fouled, but the infringements largely went unpunished by the referee.
Oli Hawkins Input
Hawkins was the only change to the Gills’ starting lineup, making his first start under Coleman alongside Joe Gbode in attack. While Elliott Nevitt ended his 20-game goal drought by heading Gillingham in front, the home side struggled to maintain control, conceding an equaliser before half-time.
“I think Oli did well,” Coleman said. “I think he led the line really well. The thing that really annoys me, when you get players like Oli, is that because they’re big, players are allowed to rip the shirts off their backs the whole game.”
The Gillingham manager acknowledged that referees have a difficult job but insisted that repeated fouls must be dealt with. He argued that yellow cards should be issued to prevent persistent offences.
Missed Chances Cost Gillingham Again
Despite dominating possession and having twice as many touches in the opposition box as Fleetwood, Gillingham failed to capitalise. Their struggles in front of goal have been an ongoing issue, with Coleman’s side managing just five goals in their last 12 games.
“We’ve missed guilt-edge chances that most teams in this league take,” Coleman admitted. “For some reason, we just can’t seem to put the ball in the net.”
The Gills last scored more than one goal in a match on December 20, during a 2-2 draw with Cheltenham. Since then, their attacking form has suffered, with a lack of clinical finishing proving costly.
What’s Next for Gillingham?
Gillingham must find solutions in attack as they continue their League One campaign. While their defensive structure has remained solid, their inability to convert chances has left Coleman frustrated.
With fixtures coming thick and fast, the Gills will need to address their attacking inefficiencies if they hope to climb the table and end their poor run of form.
Writer’s View
Gillingham’s struggles in front of goal are becoming a recurring theme, and Coleman’s frustration is understandable. The team is creating chances but failing to finish them, and unless they improve their efficiency, their season could drift into mid-table mediocrity. Addressing Hawkins’ treatment by referees is important, but their biggest issue remains putting the ball in the net.
