An impressive performance from retiring keeper Glenn Morris and an injury-time goal from Garath McCleary secured a hard-fought win in Gillingham’s final game of the season as they beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0.
The game was largely forgettable with neither side having anything to play for in terms of promotion or relegation. The game seemed almost certain to end as 0-0, but a moment of magic from the former Jamaican international secured the points for Gillingham who end the season in 17th with 53 points.
After a frustrating season, the Gills were hoping to sign off with a win on a sunny May afternoon where they had only pride and the spectators to play for.
Gareth Ainsworth made three changes to the side who lost 6-2 away at Barnet last Saturday, bringing in Remeao Hutton, Sam Gale and Sam Vokes for Harry Waldock, Garath McCleary and Sullivan Booth, who all dropped to the bench.
Gavin Cowan made three changes to the Shrewsbury side who drew 2-2 at home to Fleetwood. He brought in Will Boyle, Thomas Sang and Josh Ruffels for Tom Anderson, Sam Stubbs and Ismeal Kabia.
The game began following a generous ovation from the fans for Vokes and goalkeeper Glenn Morris who were making their final appearances as professional footballers.
The first chance on goal came in the tenth minute for the home side. Following some effective build-up play on the right, Robbie McKenzie had a shot on target, although it was a heavy contact and straight at the Shrewsbury keeper, William Brook.
Shrewsbury responded with a similar effort a few minutes later from Iwan Morgan, which was likewise tame and straight at Morris.
Shrewsbury’s Josh Ruffels had an excellent chance with a free header in the centre of the Gillingham box, but he couldn’t keep it down to get it on target.
Despite both teams having nothing but pride to play for, the game became quite bad-tempered around the 20th minute with several heavy challenges and high boots going in from both sides, leading to the referee speaking to both captains about discipline.
Shrewsbury should have gone 1-0 ahead in the 25th minute when John Marquis found himself unmarked in the box, but unable to generate any power on his volley.
Morgan hit the post a minute later with a fierce volley as the pressure grew on the Kent side.
Sam Gale, who picked up the Young Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year awards before the match, sadly went down injured in the 25th minute and was replaced by Jonny Williams.
Williams was immediately involved in creating a chance as he deftly lobbed the ball over the defender to Ronan Hale, who squared it to Vokes in the box. Sadly, he couldn’t get it under control and was shepherded away from goal.
Armani Little made an excellent goal line clearance from a Shrewsbury corner that was flicked towards the Gillingham goal.
The first half ended with Dack making a clearance following a Shrewsbury counter-attack.
The opening minutes of the second half were as attritional as the first half with neither side creating any significant chances on goal.
Gillingham had a brief period when they were on the front foot. They had two corners in quick succession and Hale had a shot blocked.
Shrewsbury should have been 1-0 up when, following a counter-attack, Marquis received the ball from a cross on the end of the six-yard box. Although he had plenty of time to take a touch, he attempted a shot which he mis-kicked and skewed wide, delighting the Rainham End.
Ainsworth brought on Garath McCleary for Bradley Dack, who received warm applause from the home supporters.
Gillingham had a promising looking attack, with McCleary linking up effectively with Hale, whose powerful shot from distance was just off-target.
In the 74th minute, Sam Vokes was subbed off for Palmer-Houlden. He received a guard of honour from the Gillingham players and a standing ovation from the crowd in honour of his illustrious and long career, spanning over 750 matches.
Shrewsbury again had an excellent chance to go ahead, which they squandered. Substitute Tommy McDermott broke clear of the Gillingham defenders following a through ball. He was one-on-one with Morris but, possibly under some pressure from the chasing defenders, he slid and poked his effort wide of the post.
In the 86th minute, Shrewsbury picked up a free-kick in a dangerous area following a foul from Little. Morgan’s free kick was on target to sneak under the crossbar, but Morris parried it behind for a corner, which came to nothing.
Gillingham came close to snatching a winner when some clever buildup play between Hutton and McCleary fell to Hutton in the Shrewsbury box. His shot was on target but blocked by a defender.
With the game looking like it was going to end as a forgettable draw, the ball fell to McCleary with space around him deep in the Shrewsbury half, following a tackle on the left flank. McCleary drove the ball forward and, with Brook out of position, he fired the ball into the top-right corner to put the home side ahead.
Shrewsbury had another free kick even closer to goal than their previous one, giving them a great chance to equalise. McDermott’s free kick was saved excellently by man of the match, Morris, who parried it around the post in front of the Rainham End.
The resulting corner came to nothing, and the full-time whistle soon followed.
While the result was not an important one for either side, it did give the long-suffering fans something to cheer about, along with a possible glimmer of hope as Gillingham look toward to the 2026-27 season.
Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Clark, Masterson, Smith, Little, McKenzie, Vokes (Palmer-Houlden 74’), Dack (McCleary 65’), Gale (Williams 36’), Hale.
Subs Not Used: Turner, Akomeah, Khumbeni, Booth.
Goals: McCleary 90+3’
Booked: Hale 37’
Shrewsbury: Brook, Boyle, Lloyd (Ihionvien 61’), Sang, Perry, Morgan (Aiston 87’), Lee (Hoole 61’), Ruffels, Marquis (McDermott 61’), Berkoe, Gray (England 61’).
Subs Not Used: Cox, Stubbs.
Goals:
Booked: Perry 32’, Gray 57’
HT 0 – 0 FT – 1 – 0
Attendance: 6145 (541)
Referee: Mr David Rock
Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.