Mark Stimson, the Gillingham manager, showed that he has put his successful apprenticeship at Grays and Stevenage to good use. Aston Villa were resilient and uncomplicated opponents but the League Two club, who were without several first-choice players, did themselves great credit.
Gillingham were only short of thrust and power up front to complement Simeon Jackson as they showed a determination to carry out the pass-and-move edict of their manager. From the first whistle to the last they played tidily and economically, always looking to keep the ball rather than blast it forward.
Yet, perversely, had they been a shade more progressive from the middle third, where Curtis Weston and Adam Miller passed accurately, they may have found more success. What they required was a purposeful forward ball — a pass which could turn the Villa defence. Twice Zat Knight and Curtis Davies had come to Villa's rescue when the lively Jackson raced in behind.
Gillingham responded well to their early, self-inflicted, wound. Although James Milner placed his shot carefully past Simon Royce, there was a lesson for Stuart Lewis, Miller and Mark Bentley regarding overplaying in deep areas. Another dilemma that Gillingham faced while monopolising the ball was the opportunities they presented to Villa to counter as they emptied midfield. Both Weston and Miller supported the front, advancing together, leaving midfield holes for Villa to exploit.
Most of all, however, Gillingham needed to get the balance right between short-passing and more direct play. Both Dennis Oli and Andy Barcham ran willingly and occupied the Villa full-backs, leaving room in behind for Jackson or Gary Mulligan to spin out, yet Gillingham rarely shifted Knight and Davies.
Jackson looked quick enough to be given the chance to run the channels but the release ball down the side was a weapon not maximised. When balls were played up to Mulligan and Jackson's feet they invariably were outmuscled, although the goalscorer's turn, sprint and finish to equalise was a splendid highlight. The knock-out blow did not follow but Gillingham should be proud of their efforts.
