Ten man Gillingham’s chances of securing a play-off spot come the end of the season took a massive dent with a 2-0 loss at AFC Wimbledon.
Conor Masterson’s first half sending off for two needless bookable offences summed up Gillingham’s evening as they flattered to deceive and dropped out of the top seven, falling to tenth in the League Two table.
Omar Bugiel was to score a brace as Gillingham failed to test the home side enough and in the end, came back to Kent with nothing.
Gills goalkeeper Glenn Morris got down quickly to prevent Bugiel’s driven effort from nestling in the bottom left corner early in the first half.
Then Wimbledon defender Lee Brown made a crucial block in the box to stop Connor Mahoney’s goal-bound strike.
Bugiel opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, nodding Jake Reeves’ fabulous cross from deep past Morris and into the bottom right corner.
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors, as Conor Masterson received two yellow cards for two needless challenges in just two minutes to cap a disastrous half.
Pulling Oli Hawkins off at half time with Robbie McKenzie coming on in his place meant Gillingham started the second half without a recognised striker and many fans questioning Stephen Clemence’s decision making.
Shadrach Ogie had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Thomas Kirk after the break, much to the disgust of the away fans.
Morris did well to stop Reeves’ thunderbolt from range 11 minutes later, only to see Bugiel tap the rebound into an empty net and wrap up a comfortable evening for the hosts.
The defeat means Gillingham’s fate is no longer in their own hands and with Grimsby Town coming to Priestfield on Saturday afternoon, anything less than a win will do.
AFC Wimbledon: Bass, Balmer, O’Toole, Brown, Neufville (Ogundere 92), Reeves, Little, Currie, Curtis (Sasu 92), Gordon (Kelly 82), Buigel (Davison 92).
Subs not used: Tzanev, Pell, Ball.
Goals: Bugiel (33), (65).
Booked: Neufville (87).
Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Masterson, Ehmer, Ogie, Clark (Malone 59), Coleman, Dieng (Nadesan 81), J. Williams (Walker 69), Mahoney (Lapslie 69), Hawkins (McKenzie H/T).
Subs not used: Turner, S. Williams.
Booked: Ehmer (11), Masterson (36), Clark (58).
Sent Off: Masterson (38).
Referee: Mr Thomas Kirk
Attendance: 7527 (1206 Gills)
Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.