Gillingham’s new owner looked on as Neil Harris’ men were narrowly beaten by promotion-chasing Stevenage.

Carl Piergianni headed the hosts infront after what was a bright start from the Gills and his goal was enough to win it for Steve Evans’ side. Alex MacDonald was unable to convert Gillingham’s best chance with just the keeper to beat.

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Glenn Morris made a surprise return from injury to start for the Gills while captain Stuart O’Keefe was back in midfield and striker Mikael Mandron picked to start.

American Brad Galinson had flown in for the game, along with the old guard, with Paul Scally in attendance along with former boss Andy Hessenthaler - the Dover manager taking in his second Gills game of the festive period.

The Gills started the day five points from safety ahead of the halfway point of the season. This was the last league game before the expected reinforcements arrive in the January transfer window.

It was bottom side Gillingham who should have taken the lead after a couple of decent balls into the box at the other end went unanswered. Alex MacDonald was played in by Mandron but from a one-on-one chance the keeper saved.

Goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond also got behind another MacDonald shot before the hosts took a 23rd-minute lead. Jake Reeves’ free-kick into the box was met by Piergianni, beating defender Will Wight to the ball to head his side infront.

Stevenage had a decent shout for a penalty soon after when former Gills striker Luke Norris went to ground under pressure from O’Keefe, who would have been a relieved man to see referee Carl Boyeson wave play on.

The match official had his hands full at the interval as Gills’ old boss Steve Evans appeared to take offence to something said by Scott Kashket, as the sides went off for half-time. Security staff were called in to deal with an incident in the tunnel, out of sight of the spectators.

Both sides lined up with 11 men for the second half. The Gills put Stevenage under some early second half pressure but were unable to turn it into a chance at goal. A couple of efforts for the home side, meanwhile, went way off target.

Gills had rattled the hosts with some strong challenges, O’Keefe leaving Jordan Roberts in a heap. With 20 minutes left Harris made changes as Hakeeb Adelakun and Callum Harriott were introduced.

Morris hadn’t had too many saves to make and was alert to keep out Roberts’ effort.

Wright wasted a free-kick in a good position, over-hitting the set-piece. The Gills were continuing to ask the home side questions, only to lack the quality to make it count.

Reeves fired over for the home side late on and Jamie Reid went close with a great chance before Robbie McKenzie dragged a shot just wide for Gillingham a minute from time.

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Gillingham: Morris, McKenzie, Tutonda, Wright, Ehmer, Williams, O’Keefe (Harriott 70mins), MacDonald, Jefferies, Kashket (Adelakun 70mins), Mandron. Subs not used: Turner, Alexander, Lee, Law.

Stevenage: Ashby-Hammond, James-Wildin, Clark, Reeves, Piergianni, Sweeney, Norris (Reid 72mins), Roberts (Taylor 90mins), Vancooten (Bostwick 56mins), Gilbey, Rose. Subs not used: Chapman, Campbell, K Smith, Amoo.

Referee: Carl Boyeson.

Attendance: 3,703 (550 away).