Gillingham fans in full voice at The Valley Picture: Barry Goodwin

There was a great atmosphere last weekend at The Valley and it was a good result. For all of you who packed into that away end, you were outstanding.

There was fantastic noise and encouragement from the first minute to the last.

The game was played at a great tempo and I thought we had the better of it particularly in the first half.

We created some good openings for Rene and Dennis and with a bit of luck, we would have been a goal up from Rene, who just couldn’t convert Millsy’s corner at the back post.

Shortly after that we fell behind.

Their right-back took a touch forward and struck toward the bottom corner. I know Alan feels he should have kept it out but these things happen. He had already made a great save before that and went on to make a few more great stops as the game went on.

I think our response shows the belief that is growing in us. We didn’t lay down, we got up and hit them straight back.

Den’s lay-off left the ball for Barch to strike a terrific goal and get us level. (Pictured below celebrating the goal)

We didn’t stop there, though, and continued to press and got ourselves in front. Rene’s shot was parried and Den tucked away the rebound for a goal he thoroughly deserved. We went in 2-1 up at half-time and were ready to keep things going in the second half.

Charlton were always going to have some pressure and we held out well until a weak shot found its way to the forward David Mooney, who spun well and finished even better to level things up.

We had to dig in and keep them out after that but we had a couple of chances of our own.

In the end we were pleased with the draw and the performance which takes us into the MK Dons game in good spirits. MK had a disappointing result at the weekend – losing 3-0 at home to Southampton – and will feel they need to beat us to get back in play-off hunt.

We also need the win though and we feel we have every chance of getting it especially with you guys behind us.

If you can recreate the noise at Charlton, which totally eclipsed the home support, then it will be another great atmosphere.

Also...

There has been an aerial thief at training and they’ve been ruining the long journey home for myself and Alan.

Dennis has also suffered a recent theft but fortunately I have discovered the culprit and hopefully that will be the end of crackly radio on the way home.

I will keep the name(s) of the culprits(s) under my hat for their own protection for now but they will be exposed if I have to listen to Alan’s CDs on the way home again!

If you want to contact me with any comments or questions then please email jnutter@thekmgroup.co.uk

See you Saturday

John