Gillingham 0 Oldham Athletic 3

GILLINGHAM’S impressive home form was shattered on Saturday after being well beaten by high-flying Oldham.

Ian Cox’s first half dismissal left Gillingham with too much to do and, after heading into the break with an extra man and a two-goal advantage, the second half was plain sailing for Oldham.

A third goal early in the second half killed off Gillingham and ensured their six game unbeaten home run was at and end.

Despite the defeat, Gills’ first on home soil since mid-October, manager Ronnie Jepson was pleased with the way his ten-men battled on.

“We knew it was going to be a tough task with 11 men but with only 10 it was going to be even tougher,” said Jepson.

“But the lads out there on the park stuck to it and that was pleasing because it was always going to be difficult.”

Oldham were deservedly ahead on 27 minutes after having the better of the first half, when Porter latched onto Liddell’s long-ball, before lobbing keeper Dean Brill.

Things got worse eight minutes later when Cox was sent-off for a professional foul, after tugging on Porter in the area, and from the resulting penalty Liddell slotted home.

Oldham made things difficult for Gillingham after the break and within ten minutes it was 3-0, as Neal Eardley shot at goal and a wicked deflection off Ben Chorley ended up in the back of the net.

Gillingham took a while to get sight of Oldham’s goal and it was Jarvis who went closest to pulling one back, only to see his good effort saved well by keeper Les Pogliacomi.

Gills: Brill, Jupp, Easton, Cox, Crofts, Chorley, Savage (Sancho 39), Flynn, Bentley (Spiller 80), Jarvis, Mulligan (Ndumbu-Nsungu 85). Subs Not Used: Pouton, Jackman.