Cheltenham Town 1 Gillingham 0

GILLINGHAM had two players sent off and were beaten by a controversial goal during a bizarre opening game at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Manager Ronnie Jepson was left fuming at a series of decisions that went against his side and praised his side's determination.

"In terms of sticking together with nine men we deserved something out of the game," said Jepson. "In the second half the players showed real commitment to the cause but it just wasn't to be.

"The lads said we should have had a penalty, but we weren't going to get a penalty even if we had of played until 9 o'clock at night. We never gave up the ghost and stuck at it and I'm really pleased for the boys."

There were few clear-cut chances in the opening half and the hosts struck in controversial circumstances when Steven Gillespie scored from what looked like an off-side position in the 24th minute.

Gillingham's hopes of turning the game around suffered a blow just before the hour, as Ian Cox received a straight red after tugging on striker Paul Connor, with the player on his way to goal.

That signalled a host of bookings being dished out by referee Paul Melin and Steve Lomas followed Cox down the tunnel soon after when he received two cautions.

Gillingham came on strong in the final quarter, with Gary Mulligan on in attack, but they were unable to find the equaliser, even after Cheltenham were reduced to 10 following a double yellow for Gillespie on 80 minutes.

Gillingham: Royce, Armstrong, Lomas, Cox, Crofts, Bentley, Facey (Mulligan 73), Southall, Brown (King 62), Sodje, Graham (Stone 81).
Subs Not Used: Stillie, Cogan.
Attendance: 4,008.

* For all the action and reaction from Whaddon Road see Monday's Medway Messenger.