Classic Match: Lions tamed (again!)

Last updated : 09 March 2005 By Simon Head

Nyron: Winning goal, and celebration to match

In a match that is sure to live long in the memory for those in attendance, Gillingham bravely came from behind twice to earn a last-gasp victory against perennial rivals Millwall. Goals from Mamady Sidibe, Paul Shaw, Marlon King and Nyron Nosworthy wiped out Millwall's strikes from Paul Ifill and Bob Peeters (2). The victory didn't come without a price, however, with goalkeeper Vince Bartram suffering a double fracture of his wrist after colliding with opposite number Tony Warner after the Millwall 'keeper pushed up for a last-minute corner.

The scoring started as early as the 11th minute, when a great run and pass from Dennis Wise sent Paul Ifill in behind the Gills back line. The Millwall man side-footed confidently past Bartram to put the visitors a goal ahead. Gills continued to battle and compete - and earned a well-worked equaliser just before the half hour mark. Marlon King drifted out wide to get possession, cut inside and crossed perfectly for Mama Sidibe, whose diving header levelled affairs and gave the big Mali striker his first goal of the season.

Ian Cox so nearly gave the Gills the lead as half time approached, but his effort was well blocked by Millwall's Australian Tim Cahill on the goal line. However, Millwall's respite proved to be shortlived as the following attack saw the home side take the lead. Danny Spiller, having another excellent match in midfield, burst through the centre of midfield and, following a great flick into the area from Chris Hope, Paul Shaw won the race to the ball to stab the ball home from 12 yards.

In the second half, Millwall began to increase their pressure the Gills' back line, with Belgian striker Bob Peeters causing a variety of problems with his physical presence and movement off the ball. On the hour mark the former Vitesse Arnhem striker equalised for The Lions after expertly turning Barry Ashby inside the area and firing past Bartram. The big striker's vociferous celebrations with the ecstatic Millwall fans earned him a booking, but this seemingly had no effect on his game as, just 8 minutes later, Peeters scored again. Paul Ifill surged down the right flank and floated a perfect pass across the area to Peeters, who had sneaked in behind a napping right side of the Gills defence. The Belgian hitman had time and space to calmly score his second and put Millwall back in the driving seat at 2-3.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler introduced Nyron Nosworthy for the struggling Ashby and the newcomer almost set up a fourth goal for the visitors as his disastrous header back towards goal fell straight into the path of Neil Harris.

The striker, much vaunted in previous seasons, wasted a glorious chance, shooting at Bartram's legs, when a square ball to Peeters would have left the Belgian with an open goal. Bartram's alert save proved vital - and the Gills showed their character yet again as they battled back from their one-goal deficit to take all three points in a stirring final ten minutes. Hessenthaler and Rodney Wallace entered the fray, replacing David Perpetuini and Mama Sidibe - and the pace of an already frenetic game increased still further.

With just nine minutes left on the clock, Hessenthaler's harrying in midfield helped win the ball for Wallace, whose delightful chip over the top of the Millwall defence was pounced on by Marlon King. The Gills marksman produced the perfect finish, exquisitely lobbing Warner to bring the game level once again. Priestfield roared its approval and willed the team to push on for a last-gasp winner. With just two minutes left on the clock. King produced the pass of the match to pick out super-sub Nosworthy, who had continued his run from right back - and the Gills number two made it goal number four by lifting the ball over Tony Warner and into the empty net, albeit with a slight deflection. Priestfield Stadium went potty - and Nyron's glory run and roly-poly down the touchline will doubtless be long remembered by those in the Medway Stand.

Despite some rather amateurish defending, the Gills yet again showed their mettle, their character and that "refuse to lose" attitude that helped them progress from Division Two to Division One. Their ability also shone through with some outstanding attacking play, capped with some excellent goals. Millwall certainly played their part and took the Gills to the limit in a hugely entertaining match. Manager Mark McGhee was of the opinion that they should have won the game from 2-3 up, but in the end the Gills, led home by player-manager Andy Hessenthaler, took the three points and ended Millwall's unbeaten start to the season.

A great game - and a great win.