Gillingham 1 Southend 1

ADAM MILLER struck a last minute equaliser for Gillingham against Southend.

The Gills midfielder hit a low shot that went through Delroy Facey?s legs and past keeper Steve Collis to earn Mark Stimson?s side a point from the League 1 clash.

Gillingham were holding on for the opening half hour and had keeper Simon Royce to thank for keeping them in the match.

He made two fantastic blocks to deny former Gravesend striker Charlie MacDonald and then to save from Southend?s second striker Leon Clarke.

Barry Cogan was brought on as manager Mark Stimson looked to change things around before it was too late.

The move steadied the ship and saw Gillingham through to half-time with the scores still goalless.

Southend took the lead on 54 minutes when Steven Hammell?s free-kick was headed in by defender Peter Clarke.

Gillingham improved after the break but left it late to take a share of the points.

They finished with 10 men after Stuart Thurgood received a straight red for a challenge on Kevin Maher.

Gills boss Mark Stimson said: ?You have to give credit to Southend.

"They?ve been together a couple of years, the players know each other, they play a decent type of football and in the first half if it hadn?t been for Simon Royce we would have come in maybe two or three down.

?We came in at half time 0-0 and I said to the boys they have a chance and we have to go and take it.

"We had to raise our performance and also have the belief to get something from the game if they ask the goalkeeper questions.

"In the end we got a point against a very good side in this division.?

Gills: Royce, Southall, Armstrong (Nutter 62mins), King, Bentley, Crofts, Thurgood, Stone (Cogan 31mins), Miller, Oli (Mulligan 73mins), Facey. Subs Not Used: Stillie, Bygrave. Attendance: 8,268.