John Coleman has much to mull over this weekend after watching his new Gillingham charges slip to a single goal defeat at the hands of Doncaster Rovers at MEMS Priestfield on Saturday lunchtime. 

The Gills were undone by a solitary goal on just past the half hour when Louis Molyneux seized on a poor header back from Armani Little to bear down on Glenn Morris’ goal, and despite the Gills keeper’s best efforts the Rovers striker placed his shot well and the visitors had a lead they didn’t really deserve, but one they didn’t relinquish. 

The home faithful wanted more of their team on the front foot and they certainly got that in the opening minutes of the Coleman era – Elliott Nevitt and Ethan Coleman combined for a chance that was just wide; Jack Nolan curled in a corner that hit the frame of the goal and Max Ehmer was denied (from a header at a free-kick) but a magnificent save from keeper Ted Sharman-Lowe. 

Jayden Clarke, Robbie McKenzie and Crystal Palace loanee Asher Agbinone all had efforts blocked in an almighty scramble from a free-kick and it seemed it was just a matter of time before the goal would come… It did on 33 minutes but at the wrong end as Molyneux gave Doncaster the lead completely against the run of play. 

Veteran striker Billy Sharp (oh how Coleman must wish he had a “Sharp-like” player at his disposal) should have perhaps doubled the lead before the break but after round Morris, the 38-year-old striker blazed over with Ehmer and McKenzie guarding the goal. 

As the game wore on, the home side had hopes as Agbinone grew more and more into the game. He had an effort not long after the break as he latched onto a Jayden Clarke pull back but his shot was rising as it cleared the bar, before the youngster forced Sharman-Lowe into another smart save from a curling effort. 

Sub-Joe Gbode and Nolan had late efforts which didn’t trouble the goal leaving John Coleman a week of reflection ahead of a trip to his native Merseyside next weekend to face Tranmere Rovers. 

GILLINGHAM – Morris, Hutton, McKenzie, Ehmer, Ogie, Nolan, Little, Coleman, Agbinone (Dack), Jayden Clarke (Rowe), Nevitt (Gbode) 

Subs – Turner, Max Clark, Jonny Williams, Dieng 

DONCASTER ROVERS – Sharman-Lowe, Sterry, Olowu, McGrath, Maxwell, Bailey, Sbarra (Clifton), Molyneux (Anderson), Street (Ennis), Crew (Broadbent), Sharp (Ironside) 

Subs – Lawlor, Gibson  

REFEREE – Mr. Swabey 

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC