By Jack Nolan
September 13 2006

Gillingham defeated a pretty average Millwall upon Byfields return to Priestfield. Byfield couldn't go near a stand without suffering abuse, and could have easily got sent off in the first half after a bust-up with Flinders. Gillingham started very brightly once again and took a deserved lead a quarter way through the first half. Gillingham's corner was poorly cleared by Millwall and it fell to Clint Easton who unleased an unstoppable thirty five yard stunner to fire Gillingham into a one goal lead sending the Gills fans mad!

A good turnout and a cracking atmopshere spurred Gillingham on, but Millwall a highlight in the game came when Byfield won a debatable free kick for 'shirt pulling'.... Flinders and Byfeild went for the ball and Byfield was determined to get there first, as was Flinders. Flinders got there first but Byfield started to push Flinders almost to the floor and Flinders got up and pushed Byfield back resulting in them both seeing yellow.

Gillingham then doubled their advantage over the Lions after a neat one two between Jarvis and Bentley saw Jarvis get one on one with Jarvis slotting home for his second of the season.

It was set up for a thrilling finale though when Millwall's Paul Hubertz scored his second against Gillingham this season after the Gills defence conceeding a pretty soft goal.

Controversy struck though when with about one minute left of the game to go, Byfield went down injured. Mr. Olivier didn't feel the need to stop play but then the ball fell to Flinders who threw it out into touch. With the Gills expecting to get the ball back, Millwall chose to use it in search of an equaliser. This made the Gills faithful and Ronnie Jepson furious, but the referee also seemed to think it was wrong and gave Gillingham the throw after a 'foul throw' by the Lions. Gillingham took the throw but to the delight of the Priestfield crowd and staff the full time whistle went to signal a memorable win over rivals Millwall.

Player ratings

Flinders - 7 - Didnt really have much to do but made some good saves when called into action but conceeded a soft goal.
Easton - 8 - He scored a stunning goal and played some lovely balls for Jarvis and the front two to run onto.
Jupp - 7 - Did alright but did sometimes struggle to keep up with the pace of the Millwall wingers.
Cox - 8 - Very solid and won nearly every header. Also out-paced Byfield sometimes.
Johnson - 8 - Also very solid and let very little through him.
Bentley - 8 - Had a very good game on the wing and his neat one-two with Jarvis set up the Gills' second
Jarvis - 9 - Was very good all night and could have easily have had a couple of assist's to his name
Flynn - 8 - Played some neat passes and won the ball with some neat tackles
Crofts - 6 - Didn't impress me andseemed as if he couldn't have been bothered
Mulligan - 8 - Had a very good game and was solid and could also have had a few assists to his name to
Guylain - 8 - Used his pace and skill to pass the Millwall defence. Is starting to get increasingly greedy though