A local derby without fans still went the distance at Priestfield as an 82nd minute leveller from a substitute denied Gillingham the “A2” bragging rights as Charlton Athletic extended their unbeaten run to eight.
With keeper Jack Bonham returning to League action in magnificent fashion, a magnificently saved first half penalty and at least one sensational save in the second period, the Gills looked like securing their first home League win since October 10th and the win over Oxford United, when Jordan Graham slotted home after John Akinde had been clipped.
But it wasn’t to be as Chuks Aneke slotted home for the visitors in the final ten minutes to deny Steve Evans men the win.
The one-one score-line was the third in the last five meetings between the two sides at Priestfield and continues the Gills poor run against the side from the other end of the A2, in 35 league and Cup meetings down the years, only six times have Gillingham prevailed!
Already missing Alex MacDonald through suspension, the Gills were dealt another late blow with the news that Tommy O’Connor returned from international duty with an injury that is likely to see him side-lined until December leaving Evans a far from happy manager!
The game started in good tempo with both with sides having early chances with Connor Ogilvie and Dominic Samuel going close for the home side.
Ben Watson had Charlton’s best early chance from distance that was well dealt with by Bonham before Graham and then skipper Kyle Dempsey both tested Charlton keeper Ben Amos in quick succession, before the visitors missed a huge chance to take the lead.
Ryan Jackson was penalised for a foul on Omar Bogle, but Connor Washington’s spot kick was magnificently kept out by Bonham diving full length to his right, his fourth penalty save in the League out of five faced!
How the missing Rainham Ender’s who would have been position behind Bonham’s goal would have loved that wonder save!
The second half began with the visitors on top, but it was Vadaine Oliver who went closest as the Gills striker went close with a header from Grahams cross on the hour.
Charlton subs then combined with Aneke setting up Alex Gilbey who was denied by Bonham before Samuel almost gave the Gills the lead, but Amos saved well.
The home side then took the lead for the first time in a home League game for nearly six weeks.
Akinde, who had only been on the pitch for nine minutes was set free by Ogilvie and the striker was clipped in the box by Chris Gunther leaving referee Lewis to point to the spot for a second time as Graham drilled the penalty home, a big moment for the former Wolves man after he missed a spot kick in a similar position against Sunderland.
Sadly, as has been on other occasions this season, the Gills couldn’t hold on and Aneke drilled home after Paul Smyth’s run.
Aneke then missed a golden chance for Charlton when he headed over but Robbie McKenzie and then Dempsey could have won it for the home side, but in the end, time ran out and the honours shared.
The Gills then extend their own unbeaten run to three games and go into Tuesdays early kick off against AFC Wimbledon in good spirits and looking for revenge for the Dons win in Kent last March, the last time the faithful were allowed into Priestfield.
GILLINGHAM – Bonham, Jackson, Tucker, Medley, Ogilvie, McKenzie, Dempsey, Robertson (Akinde), Graham, Oliver (Coyle), Samuel
Subs – Walsh, Maghoma, Woods, Willock, Eccles
CHARLTON ATHLETIC – Amos, Gunter, Matthews, Pratley, Maatsen, Watson, Morgan (Purrington) Shinnie, Maddison (Gilbey), Bogle (Aneke), Washington (Smyth)
Subs – Maynard-Brewer, Purrington, Pearce, Levitt
REFEREE – Mr Lewis