Gillingham 1 Nottingham Forest 2

GILLINGHAM lost to Nottingham Forest for the second time in four days as their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy campaign came to an early finish.

Just three days after losing to Forest in the league, Gills were beaten by the same opponents, as the Midlands side returned to Priestfield to dump Ronnie Jepson’s team out of the cup at the first round stage.

As in the league encounter Gillingham had their fair share of chances but it was the visitors who were more ruthless in front of goal.

Forest had taken an early lead, when a quick corner was played out to Kris Commons and his long range effort took a knock en-route from Jack Lester, who claimed the sixth minute opener.

Guylain Ndumbu-Nnsungu had Gills’ best efforts in the first half, with the closest of those going narrowly over the bar following an over-head kick.

The second half saw Gillingham improve and more chances came their way but not before they had gone a second goal behind, this time Grant Holt lashed the ball home under keeper Scott Flinders on 55 minutes.

The home side got a deserved goal after 73 minutes when Gary Mulligan, who moments earlier had struck the underside of the crossbar, flicked in Clint Easton’s corner to claim his first goal of the season.

Gillingham had chances to equalise late on but despite throwing four players up front, Forest held out, and returned home once more with victory secured.

Gillingham: Flinders, Jupp, Howell (Savage 88), Johnson, Easton, Bentley, Crofts (Stone 88), Flynn, Jarvis, Ndumbu-Nsungu, McDonald (Mulligan h-t).
Subs not used: Jackman, Clohessy.