Gillingham 2 Cheltenham Town 1

Last updated : 30 September 2006 By Footymad Previewer
First-half goals from Matthew Jarvis and Mark Bentley ensured Gillingham recovered from their midweek capitulation and piled more misery on Cheltenham Town.

Gillingham boss Ronnie Jepson opted to stick with the side that surrendered a 3-0 advantage at Leyton Orient in midweek, while Cheltenham made one change, bringing in Mickey Bell for JJ Melligan.

Jarvis showed his ability early on when he latched on to Clint Easton's through ball and teased defender Gavin Caines before curling his shot narrowly wide.

Jarvis was not to be denied in the 13th minute however. Michael Flynn's precise pass released the youngster and, despite a poor first touch, he managed to beat keeper Scott Brown with his second.

But Cheltenham soon came into the game and stunned Gillingham by scoring with their first attack on 28 minutes.

After Danny Jackman had conceded possession to Dave Bird, the midfielder picked out the unmarked Grant McCann who rifled home from an angle.

And the away side almost edged in front six minutes later when Kayode Odejayi was allowed an age to turn and shoot inside the area but saw his shot deflect just wide off Leon Johnson's legs.

That miss was to prove costly as on the stroke of half-time the impressive Easton was allowed space to send over a precise cross that Bentley headed home at the far post.

Cheltenham came out fighting after the break and came close to equalising on 56 minutes when Steve Guinan's cross picked out Craig Armstrong who could only volley over despite being allowed time to shoot.

Gillingham introduced substitute Bas Savage in the 60th minute and the burly striker almost made an immediate impact when Bentley's cross reached him six yards out, only to turn and fire a weak shot at Brown.

Jackman then released Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu who held off his marker but could only roll his shot agonisingly wide of the far post.

With time running out, Caines almost punished the Gills with two efforts, firing one straight at Scott Flinders before blazing over moments later.

In the final moments Cheltenham threw everything at Gillingham and Flinders made a string of fine saves to deny substitute Melligan and Caines before Bell fired a great chance over.