Chris Gwillam's match report...
As the cold air filled the Bescot Stadium the Walsall fans were eagerly anticipating their team to pull a win out of the bag and achieve three points.As Gillingham kicked off to start the game the atmosphere was mild but then a 100 seconds into the game Gillingham's McDonald (10) headed the ball into the net. Walsall's defence was poor as there were countless opportunities to clear the ball. Ten minutes later Walsall put together a string of passes as McCarthy ( 5 ) placed the ball under the keeper's legs.
Many chances were created by both teams but Walsall' s Jackson (9) met a superb pass but could not keep the ball low and another chance was wasted.
In the 45th minute Walsall put a corner into the box but was met by a Gillingham player on the line.
Two minutes added time was shown but wasn't used to the advantage of Walsall.
Walsall 1-1 Gillingham
Chances (mainly for Walsall) were created as shot after shot were put either wide or were saved by Nelson (1) ,the visiting keeper. In the 72nd minute Ehmer (5) was awarded a yellow for his actions ,tackling a Walsall player. In the same minute Gillingham roled the dice, as Dack (23) came off for Osadebe (16) and Knott (11) was replaced by Byrne (33).
Then in the 83rd minute a free kick was awarded to Gillingham. Emmanuel-Thomas (50) hit a hard ball which was deflected into the back of the net by Ehmer. Then in the 85th minute Jon Whitney finally unleashed his substitutes as Moussa (44) came off for Cuvelier (8) and Bakayoko (20) replaced Edwards (2). Neither of the substitutes made an impact on the game as they had came on too late.
Full Time : Walsall 1-2 Gillingham
Matt Preston (16) was awarded Man Of The Match but I thought he was a bit quiet and did not make an impact on the game.
In the press conference Whitney was dissaponted but said his players could still have hope.
5,429 fans came along to see Gillingham take all of the three points.