Jordan Obita leave his marker standing Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham’s promotion hopes suffered a massive blow with defeat to Burton on Tuesday night.

An own goal from Matt Fish, early in the second half, handed the hosts the points.

Burton, who had lost their last eight and hadn’t won in 16 games, threatened to add to their lead but were only denied by a number of saves from Gills keeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Defeat leaves the Gills with a massive effort now needed to make the play-offs. They ended the night seven points adrift of the top seven.

The opening half finished goalless and neither team managed to really offer much of a test to the goalkeepers.

It took Gillingham until just before the break to really stretch the home defence when a long ball from the back was flicked on by Chris Whelpdale. Jo Kuffour ran through the back four but didn’t have enough on the shot to worry goalkeeper Ross Atkins.

A tame low shot from Jordan Obita midway through the first half was the only other time Atkins was called into action in the opening 45 minutes.

The hosts – without a home win in four months - made a bright start in the match, looking to use the pace of forwards Jacques Maghoma and Greg Pearson, but despite a lot of energy they were unable to penetrate. The half-time whistle ended what wasn’t the most entertaining of halves.

An early second half effort for Burton fell to Maghoma, but his curling long-range effort sailed narrowly over the bar.

Ten minutes into the second half the hosts took the lead. Moments after Richards had fluffed a good chance the ball was played through to Maghoma. Gills keeper Gazzaniga did well to save at the Burton man’s feet but Fish, following in, diverted the ball into his own net.

At the other end a speculative shot from Obita and a more hopeful effort from Kuffour both found the goalkeeper’s hands.

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler’s attempts to get his team firing were thwarted. Charlie Lee lasted just nine minutes after coming on as substitute. He had been suffering with an ankle injury at the start of the week.

The Gills had to rely on Gazzaniga to deny Burton a second with 10 minutes left. He first made a good save with his feet from Richards before moments later saving low down to deny Lionel Ainsworth.

Chances at goal for the visitors were limited and late-on Lewis Montrose had a half-chance from outside the box which sailed harmlessly over.

With five minutes left Gazzaniga had to make another good save, once again stopping an effort from Ainsworth.

Burton: Atkins, Webster, Stanton, Corbett, Austin, Phillips, Pearson (Ainsworth 80mins), Dyer, Bolder, Maghoma, Richards (Ada 94mins). Subs: James, Taylor, Clucas.

Gillingham: Gazzaniga, Fish (C Lee 68mins (Vine 73mins)), Martin, Frampton, Essam, Payne (Oli 63mins), Montrose, Jackman, Whelpdale, Obita, Kuffour. Subs: King, Spiller, Vine.

Attendance: 1,714