A CRUEL goal 15 minutes from time denied Gillingham a precious point at Upton Park.

The Gills had been hanging on to a 1-1 draw when Matthew Etherington latched on to a through ball from substitute Adam Nowland.

His mis-hit shot lacked any power but still wrong-footed Gills keeper Steve Banks and crept into the corner of the net.

It was a nasty blow for Andy Hessenthaler's men, who had fought their way back into the game after conceding a third-minute goal from Bobby Zamora.

Danny Spiller had put them back on level terms with a superb volley in the 31st minute after Richard Rose's free kick was headed back across goal.

But Etherington's late strike meant Gillingham ended the day just one place above the relegation zone.