Gillingham 0 Millwall 0

Last updated : 12 February 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Millwall's push for a play-off spot was dealt a huge blow by a gutsy Gillingham display as this local derby ended goalless at the Priestfield Stadium.

With a swirling wind throughout the match and a rain storm in the final minutes, both sides failed to create any chances of significance on a heavy pitch.

Gillingham have not been beaten by Millwall at home in the last eight seasons and did not look as if they would break that sequence in this match.

There was drama before the kick off when Gills keeper Jason Brown was injured in the warm up. He was replaced by Steve Banks with Bertrand Bossu the reserve keeper.

The earlier chances were dominated by the central defenders, with Darren Ward in particular catching the eye in the Lions defence.

Early Gills' pressure saw Nicky Southall and Darius Henderson combine well on the right, with Michael Flynn who was making his home debut for the Gills only managing to find keeper Andy Marshall with his strike on goal.

The Lions defence had to be alert after 10 minutes when a Southall corner fell to Andrew Crofts steaming in only for Ward to clear the danger.

Millwall's first real attempt on Banks' goal came on 16 minutes when Kevin Muscat crossed for Josh Simpson, but his header went flew over the bar.

Five minutes later Scott Dobie fired wide when well placed.

Roared on by captain Paul Smith, the Gills could have taken the lead from Henderson who was only able to blast over in the 43rd minute.

Just like the first half, the second period was devoid of any real opportunities but the Gills should have opened the scoring on 75 minutes.

A neat build up on the right involving Nyron Nosworthy, Henderson and Smith gave Southall a chance from which a desperate intervention from Muscat managed to strike the post and Banks saved the follow up.