Match Reports
Gills’ new boys star in Hartlepool draw
Published by Ben Curtis on January 27, 2010
It was somewhat ironic that Gillingham’s best two players didn’t find their names on the back of Hartlepool’s matchday programme last night – Rene Howe and Darren Dennehy were, quite simply, outstanding and their performances contributed to a largely positive away display. Howe won most in the air, was strong in holding up play and delivered the perfect cross for Simeon Jackson’s 70th minute header. At the other end, Dennehy was faultless and may provide the best cover for the injured Simon King this season if his loan can be extended. Howe and Dennehy may have been forgotten before the match, but they’ll be remembered long after it.
Mark Stimson was forced into one change from the team that drew with Colchester: Kevin Maher replaced Josh Gowling, forcing Mark Bentley to retreat into defence. At the back, Gillingham rode their luck early on – Andy Monkhouse, with only the goalkeeper to beat, forced Julian into an excellent save and only a deflection off of Barry Fuller denied Ritchie Humphreys a first goal of the season. Joe Gamble also drove wide a couple of minutes before half-time, but crucially Gillingham went in level at the break.
This instilled the confidence to press on, and press on they did. Although Luke Rooney’s introduction didn’t cause the same immediate spark as it did on Saturday – in fact, his first touch was a miscued cross over the stand – he played a part in Gillingham’s goal. His ball into Howe on the right allowed the striker to gallop to the by-line and his pinpoint cross was glanced past Scott Finders by Jackson, for only his second away goal this term. Brilliant cross, brilliant finish. Only the second time Gillingham have taken the lead away from home this season and with 20 minutes left, the omens looked good.
Unfortunately, though, it wasn’t to be. Possession was squandered in midfield, allowing Neil Austin to run unchallenged and bobble a low shot past Julian. A disappointing goal to concede but a decent point nonetheless. Stimson will know there’s still a lot of work to be done away – there’s no doubting that – but the performances of Howe, Dennehy, Julian and Wynter are encouraging for the difficult games to come. Staying unbeaten and putting a run of results together is important and a win at home to Walsall on Saturday will end the month well.
The players threw their shirts into the crowd as a goodwill gesture to the 78 fans that braved the cold and the positive end to the evening was in stark contrast to the week before. The players must make sure that Accrington was the low point of the season – if it remains so, the side will most certainly stay up.
Ben Curtis
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