Going into this game the Gills were unbeaten in their last four outings so it was going to be interesting to see if they could keep the great run going. They were, however, without some key attacking players who had been showing great form recently in the form of Benjani Ben-Salem (Suspended), Ryan Gay (Injured) and Will Pike (County U18 Fixture). This gave some more young players a chance to shine and this resulted in a first for the Gills with twins Joe and Sam Paterson both playing in the game.
The game itself was played on a frosty pitch and with a low sun, causing problems for both sets of players, and it was Shepton who looked the better team during the opening stages. They were obviously intent on passing the ball and looked good at it, keeping possession for long periods. Despite this it was the Gills who got the first chance when, with 9 minutes played, a great cross by Kieran Davis was met with a glancing header by Ashley Clarke in front of goal but the ball flew agonisingly just wide of the goal.
Once again Shepton were in the ascendency and Tyson Pollard tested Jordan Tewkesbury between the sticks for the Gills, but he was equal to it and gathered the shot easily. Despite Shepton’s dominance the Gills looked dangerous on the break and just before the quarter hour mark Will Agbo played a wicked cross into the home side’s six yard box that Joe Paterson couldn’t quite reach.
Shepton took the lead a couple of moments later when an unfortunate slip in midfield allowed Kailin Gould a free run down the right wing and he pickedout James Billing with a cross that gave the striker an easy tap-in.
In the very next minute Shepton doubled their lead when Gould put another cross from the right wing into the box and this time Jordan Townsley rushed in to beat Jordan Tewkesbury from close range.
Shepton were rampant now and the Gills did well to keep them from scoring again till half time with Jordan Tewkesbury being forced to make another couple of fine saves.
The second half continued in the same vein with James Billing missing a golden opportunity to extend Shepton’s lead when he put his close range shot wide of the mark.
As the second half progressed the Gills started to get into the game more and by the time the hour mark was reached were looking the more likely to score. In fact the Gills went close to opening their account with just over 20 minutes left to play when Dan Cox took a shot from inside the area, but his effort went just wide of the post.
The Gills threw caution to the wind now, even playing central defender Nick Hewlett as a striker. This left them exposed at the back and Shepton should have added to their tally moments later, but Jordan Townsley contrived to put his close range shot over the bar. The Gills efforts were rewarded with a goal when, with 12 minutes left to play, Joe Paterson crossed the ball into the path of Dan Cox whose powerful header gave Phillips no chance.
The goal was just the encouragement the Gills’ players needed and they pushed to score a second goal giving the home fans a nervous last 10 minutes but, despite their best efforts, they couldn’t find the back of the net again so Shepton ran out 2-1 winners.
Man of the Match was Dan Cox.
The Gills are in action on Saturday (20th December) when they host Bishop Sutton in a battle between the two teams at the bottom of the league..
Gills’ line up: Tewkesbury, Thomson, Noonan, Compton (S Paterson 73), Agbo, Hewlett, Cox, Clarke, Smith, J Paterson, Davis. Unused sub: Whinney
Terry Lucas
