Reading 2 Gillingham 1

GILLINGHAM suffered the heartbreak of conceding an 88th minute goal just as they seemed within touching distance of a hard earned point at Reading last night.

John Salako scored Reading's match winner as the home side came from behind after Rod Wallace gave Gillingam the tonic of a 10th minute lead.

Debut making Luke Chadwick, signed on loan from Manchester United, levelled two minutes later.

Gillingham goalkeeper Jason Brown saved Graham Sidwell's 69th minute penalty to keep his side in contention before Salako turned match winner.

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler could not conceal his disappointment as Reading became the first club to complete a home and away win double over Gillingham this season.

“I won’t sleep a wink tonight knowing that we didn't get anything from the game,’ he said after the game.“I thought we created some fantastic chances, especially in the first half.

“We should have done better. If you don’t take your chances you don't win matches, it's as simple as that. “Mamady Sidibe will be disappointed that he didn't leave the field at half time with a couple of goals.

“At 1-1 I would have settled for a point. Then we took one almighty kick in the teeth two minutes from the end. But that’s football, though we didn’t deserve to lose.

“I was disappointed with Reading’s equaliser, especially after we had just scored. It was too easy for them and I was not happy with our performance defensively in the first 15 minutes when we looked nervous.

“Once we got the ball down and started to pass it we looked more effective.”

Attendance: 11,030.