Gillingham 0 Walsall 1

STEVE CLARIDGE came back to haunt his former club when he scored the only goal of the game for Walsall at Priestfield on Saturday.

It was disappointing for the home fans who were hoping to see their side grab the three points against their already-relegated opponents in the final match of the season at Priestfield.

The winner came in the 56th minute. Gills keeper Jason Brown made a rare mistake when he failed to hold onto a Dean Keates' free-kick that bounced just in front of him and Claridge was on hand to score from the rebound.

Kevin James had missed a glorious chance to put the visitors ahead just after half-time when he span clear of Jon Wallis and found himself one on one with Brown, but he put his shot wide.

Gillingham were also guilty of spuring a fantastic opportunity shortly afterwards. Matt Jarvis capitalised on a defensive error and cut the ball back to Neil Harris, but his shot was straight at keeper Andy Oakes when either side of the keeper would surely have found the net.

Earlier, the home side should have taken the lead when top scorer Darren Byfield headed wide after a great move involving Tommy Black and Neil Harris.

Black then forced a superb save out of Oakes on the stroke of half-time.

Byfield's close range header should have forced a late equaliser for Ronnie Jepson's side, but it was one of those days for the Gills.

Gillingham: Brown, Wallis, Cox (Hope h-t), Johnson, Clohessy, Black (Mulligan 71), Crofts, Flynn, Jarvis, Harris, Byfield
Subs: Crichton, Spiller, Collin.