Gillingham 1 Northampton 2

GILLINGHAM crashed out of the Carling Cup as Northampton buried an under-strength home side.

First half goals from Eric Sabin and Scott McGleish gave Colin Calderwood’s side the first half advantage as the Gills players left the field to a chorus of boos from the sparse crowd.

Mamady Sibibe headed in a consolation as Gills looked to make amends after a dreadful opening half display.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler chose to rest several key players and paid the price as his side were made to look second rate against a side two divisions below them.

Despite a positive start from the home side, Northampton began to grow in confidence, and took the lead on 32 minutes as Eric Sabin drove the ball under Jason Brown.

The second came from Scott McGleish as the Gills defence remained motionless as the ball was played back in the area from David Galbraith and Brown was left stranded as the ball was guided in.

Gills rallied in the second and were rewarded with a goal from Sibibe. But even the introduction of Danny Spiller and Iwan Roberts couldn’t save them from an embarrassing defeat.

Gills: Brown, Smith, Ashby, Cox, Agyemang, L Johnson, Rose, Jarvis, Pouton (Spiller 56), Perpetuini (Roberts 65), Sidibe. Subs Not Used: Banks, Crofts, Hope. Att: 3108.