Delighted Gillingham boss Mark Bonner saluted his table-topping side as they clung on to beat Chesterfield with a 1-0 League Two win at Priestfield Stadium.
A precise headed effort from Robbie McKenzie was enough to separate the teams in all-action encounter which saw both sides finish the game with 10 men.
Gills skipper Max Ehmer was dismissed on the hour for a second bookable offence, while Chesterfield defender Chey Dunkley was also sent off himself for a second bookable offence in the dying stages, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.
“It’s a brilliant win for us,” praised Bonner, whose in-form side have now won three and drawn one of their opening four league fixtures of the new season.
“It’s a massive result. To take 10 points from the first four games and three clean sheets on the bounce with the circumstances, it shows huge character.
“They’re a good side. You could see that we did things a bit differently. In the first half, I thought that we had some really good bits.
“We were more comfortable in certain moments with the ball. High pressure that turned the ball over well.
“We had a horrible start. The first few minutes, we were honking, then after that, we got going a little bit.
“We scored the goal, a superb goal. Deren (Ibrahim) and Pete (Gill) work on those things all the time with set plays, but the execution from Jack (Nolan) and Robbie (McKenzie) and everybody else was very good.”
Chesterfield boss Paul Cook was left frustrated his side failed to take their chances when they had a one-man advantage in the second half.
“Gillingham started the game very aggressively, which we expected,” said Cook.
“They come onto us like you’d expect. They got the goal, which was totally against the run of play at that moment, which is football.
“We played ever so well at times and the goal we created just after half-time was top class. It was a really good goal.
“Unfortunately, it was offside and my only disappointment, as I said to them in there, was that we brought chaos to the game at the end.
“You have got to give credit to Gillingham, great credit to Gillingham, by the way. There was a great atmosphere in the stadium from both sets of fans.
“We should have finished the game totally dominant in their half rather than reds, yellows and free-kicks.
“When you hit the woodwork like we did today and you have the one or two opportunities that you had in the game – I don’t think Gillingham did that.
“They had one or two, don’t get me wrong, but we’re really disappointed that we haven’t at least taken a point because a point is the least we deserve.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
Borussia Dortmund keen on signing Jadon SanchoBorussia Dortmund are weighing up a fresh move for Jadon Sancho amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.The Bundesliga side have requested to be kept informed about the Englishman’s status at Old Trafford, with the out-of-favour winger seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-linked Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Sports.Sancho i...
Gravenberch names his 2025 Ballon d'Or favouriteRyan Gravenberch shared his 2025 Ballon d'Or choice, backing his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to win the prestigious award.The Egypt international was the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or during the first half of the season, topping both the goals and assists charts in the Premier League.0"That's a tough one, but I'll go for my teammate: Moha...
Uriah RennieUriah Rennie, the first black man to referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.WHAT HAPPENED?In August 1997, Rennie was named as the referee for a Premier League game between Derby County and AFC Wimbledon and made history as the division's first ever black referee. He went on to officiate over 300 top-flight games across 11 years, as well as refereeing domestic cup fina...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 9 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 10 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker