AFC Totton 2 v 0 Gillingham Town – Sat 30/08/14
This FA Cup Preliminary round game was always going to be tough for the Gills, as AFC Totton are currently sitting at the top of the Southern League South & West, a League one level higher than them.
Despite this it was the Gills who started the brighter of the two teams and they got the first chance of the game after just 2 minutes. Will Pike’s volleyed shot drew a great save out of Totton keeper Steve Mowthorpe who tipped the effort round his post. The resultant corner was met by the head of Nick Hewlett and although Mowthorpe was powerless to stop it, a covering defender cleared the ball off the line.
Following this bright start the game settled down and Totton began to dominate long periods of the game but they were lacking the ability to convert this pressure into clear cut chances. They did however go close to scoring when a free kick just outside the area flashed across the face of goal and, moments later, Gills’ keeper Jordan Tewkesbury had to be quick off his line and brave enough to block a close range effort on goal.
The best chance though fell to the Gills after 22 minutes when a Jordan Tewkesbury kick glanced off the head of a Totton player in midfield leaving Steve Smith goal side of his marker and with just Mowthorpe to beat. Steve’s shot was solid enough but Mowthorpe was equal to it and blocked the shot with his body.
Just 3 minutes later, against the run of play, a Totton player inexplicably handled the ball inside the area and the Referee pointed to the spot giving the Gills a great opportunity to go ahead. Steve Smith stepped up to take the kick but once again Mowthorpe got the better of him, palming his well struck shot away from goal. The drama continued though as the ball then fell to Ashley Clarke inside the left hand side of the area. Ashley’s shot looked on target but we will never know as the ball incredibly deflected off the Referee.
Following this Totton again took control of the game having the lion’s share of possession but once again the Gills’ defence held firm meaning they couldn’t turn this possession into any clear cut chances on goal. Time after time the Gills’ players spoiled any moves Totton could make, but the pressure finally told in first half injury time when a defensive error let Craig Feeney through on goal. He was in no mood to waste the gift and he slotted the ball past Jordan Tewkesbury to mean the half ended with Totton having a 1-0 lead.
The second half started with Totton in control again and as early as the 47thminute the Gills rode their luck when a defender cleared a header off the line and in the 51stminute a looping shot seemed to have Jordan Tewkesbury beaten but the ball dropped just over the bar. The Gills slowly started to get into the game more and Benjani Ben Salem had a shot from inside the area but, yet again, Mowthorpe was on hand to block the shot.
Halfway through the second half a clever AFC Totton free kick saw the ball flying just over the bar
For the last 15 minutes the Gills really started to get into the game and, for the first time were having the majority of possession. Another good chance went begging when a lofted ball into the area fell between Steve Smith and Benjani Ben Salem on the edge of the six yard box but neither could make the most of the chance.
Then, with 7 minutes left and just as it looked like the Gills could earn themselves an equaliser, Totton went 2-0 up. A free kick was floated to the back post where Totton Captain Rob Flooks’ powerful hearder gave Jordan Tewkesbury no chance.
Although going 2-0 down so late in the game the Gills’ players’ heads didn’t drop but, despite their best efforts, they couldn’t find their way to clawing a goal back.
When the final whistle went the Gills exited the FA Cup with a 2-0 defeat but, when considering the positions of the two Clubs and their current form, this was very much a performance the players can be proud of. Who knows what might have happened had Mowthorpe not pulled off some great saves to deny the Gills in the first half.
The attendance was 280 and the Man of the Match was Benjani Ben Salem.
The Gills now return to League action and next up is a very tough trip to League leaders Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday 6thSeptember.
Gills’ line up: Tewkesbury, Murray (Sansom 87), Davis (Norris 69), Pawley (Cox 66), Barber, Hewlett, Thomson, Clarke, Smith, Ben Salem, Pike.
Terry Lucas
