Gillingham 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 1
By Tim Hodges.
Albion only drew a match they had many chances to win, at their former temporary home, in deepest Kent on Tuesday evening.
Brighton born Adam El Abd gave the seagulls an early lead with less than 4 minutes gone.
The stand in full back, got down low to head Elliot Bennett’s super cross home, before the Gills appeared to have tied their boot laces .
Lee Hendrie one of four changes to the previous line up looked class in midfield and sent Glenn Murray clear with a defence splitting ball, only for Albion’s normally classy cumbrian to fire over the bar.
Albion were on the back foot for large periods of the remainder of the first half Brezovan making a few noteable saves especially one from Dennis Oli. However the seagulls led at the interval.
As the game restarted it was the Albion’s turn to be slow starters, a patient build up for Gillingham saw Howe play in Miller who shot past Brezovan for 1-1.
Murray had a chance to put albion back ahead, but shot well wide after beating the Gill’s defence with ease.
Alan Navarro replaced the tiring Arismendi and started to turn the game in Albion’s favour although Gillingham substitute Simeon Jackson almost put the home side 2-1 up, but Brezovan was equal to it.
There were good chances at either end, most notably to Murray who missed two glorious chances from Hendrie crosses.
With the minutes ticking away Bennett was hauled down in the area, Murray now Albion’s designated penalty taker stepped up, but saw his penalty saved by Julian at full stretch.
The Albion would have to settle for a point.
Albion: Brezovan, Calderon, El-Abd, Virgo, Hoyte; Bennett, Arismendi (Navarro 68), Hendrie (Dicker 78), Crofts, LuaLua (Barnes 58); Murray. Subs not used: Walker (GK), Elphick, Carole, Holroyd.
Gillingham: Julian, Fuller, Gowling, Dennehy (Wynter 46), Nutter; Miller (Jackson 60), Jackman, Weston, Barcham; Oli, Howe (Dickson 71). Subs not used: Royce (GK), Lewis, Maher, Bentley.
Referee: J Linnington.
