Players from both sides surround the linesman and referee to argue about the second Bradford goal, which was finally allowed to make the score 2-2 Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham let a two-goal advantage slip at lowly Bradford on Saturday.

Lewis Montrose handed the Gills a first-half advantage, heading home after 25 minutes, and the lead was doubled when home defender Simon Ramsden put through his own net after the break.

Nahki Wells pulled a goal back midway through the second half and the hosts levelled in controversial circumstances as referee Scott Mathieson over-ruled the linesman’s decision to disallow James Hanson’s goal for offside.

That decision proved pivotal as the Gills dropped a vital two points in their play-off chase because of it.

The Gills had to deal with a series of corners in the opening few minutes but the closest they got was a header from towering defender Luke Oliver, which sailed over the bar.

Fellow central defender Andrew Davies also sent a header towards the Gills goal, but his effort went the same way as Oliver’s.

Andy Hessenthaler’s men made Bradford pay for their wastefulness as Jo Kuffour’s cross was headed home by Montrose, who was probably a little mystified at the lack of challenge that came from the home defence.

Bradford had the ball in the net two minutes later, after James Hanson toe-poked Kyel Reid’s free-kick past Paulo Gazzaniga, but the goal was ruled out by the linesman for offside.

The Gills came close to adding a second when Jordan Obita smashed a powerful free-kick through the Bradford defensive wall but home keeper Jon McLaughlin managed to punch the shot clear.

More opportunities fell the way of the Gills, but neither Chris Whelpdale or Danny Jackman could keep their shots down.

Bradford’s closest effort before the break came when Andy Frampton – back in the starting eleven at the expense of Simon King – hit a clearance into the back of James Hanson but was relieved to see the ball go wide of the Gills goal.

Frampton was one of four changes that Hessenthaler made to the starting eleven, with Jo Kuffour coming in for the injured Danny Kedwell, Lewis Montrose returning from suspension and Joe Martin taking over at left-back.

The hosts made a lively start to the second half, in search of a quick equaliser, and striker James Hanson came close with a shot that looked to be heading in before taking a deflection off Connor Essam.

Bradford’s promising start was undone when with 55 minutes gone Simon Ramsden slid onto Kuffour’s ball into the area and sent the ball rolling into his own net, to the delight of the 209 travelling fans.

The hosts had another goal ruled out, this time just past the hour, when substitute Wells smashed the ball into the net with his first touch. But the linesman’s flag again hushed the home crowd, ruling an offside.

Bradford halved the deficit in the 71st minute as Wells headed home a free-kick by Reid and they were level 12 minutes later. Hanson converted Reid’s cross but the goal only stood after a long delay, as the officials debated whether it should have been disallowed for offside. The linesman had flagged, but Mr Mathieson gave the goal.

Montrose put a shot into the side-netting in stoppage time and there was still time for the hosts to be denied another goal. Craig Fagan netted but the referee had already blown for a foul on keeper Gazzaniga. It was the last bit of action as the game ended 2-2.

Gillingham: Gazzaniga, Martin, Fish, Essam, Frampton, Payne, Jackman, Montrose, Whelpdale, Obita (Oli 74mins), Kuffour (Vine 79mins). Subs: King, Miller, O Lee

Bradford: McLaughlin, Ramsden (Wells 62mins), Fry, Oliver, Davies, Bullock, Reid, Ravenhill (Syers 46mins), Fagan, Hanson, Dagnall. Subs: Annerson, Smalley, Kozluk.

Attendance: 9,858

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