GILLINGHAM threw away a two-goal lead in their First Division home game with Burnley on Tuesday night, eventually having to settle for a 2-2 draw. Andy Hessenthaler’s side got off to the best possible start and scored twice within the opening 15 minutes.

Simon Osborn slotted his first goal for the club just eight minutes into the match after Nayron Nosworthy’s cross was only palmed away by Burnley keeper Nikolaos Michopoulos.

The Gills doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Guy Ipoua turned home his third goal in as many games from a David Perpetuini knock-down.

However, the two-goal cushion only lasted until just past the hour mark when Gareth Taylor headed in Dean West's precise cross and worse was to come for Gillingham in the early stages of the second period as referee Clive Wilkes awarded a controversial penalty for handball.

Burnley’s Glenn Little made no mistake from the spot and although both sides had chances to win the game late on, the scoreline remained even.