Adebayo Akinfenwa executes a spectacular overhead kick as Gillingham try to break the deadlock against Oxford Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham were held to a goalless draw by Oxford at Priestfield in League 2 on Saturday.

The Gills, who started the day just a place outside of the play-offs, began the match at a good pace but were unable to find a way past keeper Ryan Clarke.

A strong wind and a whistle-happy referee didn’t help to make the game flow in the opening half and, despite numerous chances late on, the Gills were out of luck.

Good early pressure from the Gills saw Curtis Weston have a shot blocked and Garry Richards, who was starting a game for the first time since April 2010, headed a corner into the ground and Clarke collected.

Adebayo Akinfenwa also blasted a shot wide, but Oxford were always a threat with a three-man attack causing problems.

James Constable and Steve MacLean went close midway through the opening half and, towards the end, Tom Craddock shot wide.

The start of the second half brought few opportunities for either side.

It wasn’t until the 73rd minute that the Gills got a real sniff at goal. Keeper Clarke dropped John Nutter’s cross, but Akinfenwa’s effort went just wide.

Oxford hadn’t kept a clean sheet in their previous 23 games and as the game wore on it looked all the more likely they would finally get one at Priestfield.

Frustration continued for the Gills fans with Matt Lawrence seeing an effort blocked and Akinfenwa smashing wide with four minutes left.

Another chance fell to Akinfenwa two minutes later in the box, but the goalkeeper held on.

In injury time, Cody McDonald headed against the top of the bar from Luke Rooney’s corner as Oxford refused to buckle.

Gills: Julian, Fuller, Nutter, Richards, Lawrence, Maher (Rooney 59mins), Jackman (J Payne 70mins), Martin, Weston (Oli 82mins), McDonald, Akinfenwa. Subs: Bentley, S Payne, Cronin, King.

Oxford: Clarke, Tonkin, McLaren, Wright, Clist, Hall (Heslop 88mins), Worley, Purkiss, Craddock (Hackney 67mins), Constable, MacLean (Potter 67mins). Subs: Sangare, Midson, Eastwood, Payne.

Attendance: 5,364