Mark McCammon thinks he's given Gillingham an early lead but the effort was ruled out for handball. Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Andrew Gidley

Gillingham gained their first point away point of the season in the West Midland's sunshine at Bank's Stadium on Saturday.

In fact, the weather was arguably the brightest part of the afternoon, as both sides struggled to make an impact.

However, nobody could fault the Gills work-rate, in a game of few clear-cut chances. They worked tirelessly to a man for the cause, and might have snatched a winner deep in stoppage-time when Andy Barcham raced into the box, only to be robbed by home man-of-the-match Manny Smith, as he looked set to shoot.

Mark McCammon had the ball in the net as early as the fourth minute, but handled in the build-up. Nine minutes later Curtis Weston blazed high and wide at the far post.

A minute later Simeon Jackson back-heeled another chance over the bar, and then McCammon headed John Nutter's cross straight at Clayton Ince, who saved another effort by Jackson.

Barry Fuller needed treatment twice, before eventually being substituted by Adam Miller on the hour, and Dennis Oli was replaced by former Saddler Chris Palmer.

Defender Josh Gowling who had fine game alongside Mark Bentley in central defence was also booked.

Gills boss Mark Stimson praised the effort of his players after the game.

He said: "He said: "The work-rate desire and commitmment by my lads was fantastic.

"We needed to get something here after being absolutely brilliant at Tranmere and Colchester, and got absolutely nothing for it.

"We weren't as good today but we got a point, and I think honestly we should have got three, because there was only team who really looked like scoring."

Stimson also confirmed he took Oli off because he thought he was in danger of being sent off.

Stimson added: "Dennis was fortunate to stay on the pitch. [The referee] got that wrong, Dennis should have been sent off for a second yellow. He did some rash things today which is not like him."

Gillingham: Royce, Fuller (Miller 60), Bentley, Gowling Nutter, Oli (Palmer 54), Weston, Jackman (Maher 87), Barcham, Jackson, McCammon.

Subs not used: Richards, Erksine, Julian, Payne.