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Gillingham fans relieved to see Andy Hessenthaler's team to return to winning ways against Bradford City at Priestfield

Adebayo Akinfenwa with referee Steve Rushton
Adebayo Akinfenwa with referee Steve Rushton

Akinfenwa quizzes referee Mr Rushton on Saturday Picture: Barry Goodwin

Gillingham ended a run of four successive draws with victory over Bradford City at Priestfield on Saturday.

Goals from Adebayo Akinfenwa and Curtis Weston secured the win, much to the relief of Gillingham fans, who were keen to see their side record a much-needed three points.

The win keeps the Gills in the thick of the promotion mix. Read the views from some of our Gills Jurors and have your say.

SAM LIVINGSTONE

(Pangbourne)

"After numerous draws which has seen Gills drop slightly away from the automatic places, a comfortable victory was the perfect tonic for us.

Curtis Weston
Curtis Weston

"It was a really good team performance from back to front as Julian pulled off a few brilliant saves but generally our defence maintained a resolute barrier.

"Our midfield was excellent and I am delighted that Barcham started as it gave us the width that we have been craving.

"Both our strikers looked dangerous although Cody now hasn’t scored in five which is a bit of a worry, but the way Curtis Weston (pictured) is playing more than makes up for it.

"Tuesday night will be a massive match as it our last really tough match for a little while, so a win would set us up for a run at the top three. Anything else and I think that consolidation in the play-offs will be the aim for the rest of the season."

RICHARD PEPPER

(Manston)

"After a run of consecutive draws we desperately needed three points and fortunately we were able to take them.

Matt Lawrence
Matt Lawrence

"Sadly the referee was determined to be the star of the show and spent the first half flashing yellow cards for the sake of it and stopping the match every 30 seconds for reasons known only to him.

"It was good to see Bayo get back on the scoresheet with a well-taken header on the stroke of half-time.

"Fortunately ‘something’ happened during the interval to alter the referee’s perception of things as he came out and had a much better second period.

"Curtis Weston once again showed his class with the goal of the season at Priestfield so far.

"Matt Lawrence (pictured) was inspirational at the back and would make a great team captain for next season.

"Overall, although Bradford started the better side in the first half, we finished the stronger in what was a poor but entertaining match and just about deserved the win."

DAVID GARTH

(Gillingham)

"It’s now all about results and this was a vital win especially given that many of the six sides above the Gills won.

"The first half was completely ruined by an over zealous official and I felt that the Gills came off far worse with some bizarre decisions.

Andy Barcham
Andy Barcham

"Bayo’s goal was probably against the run of play as Bradford had the better of the first half but some woeful finishing cost them dear and Weston’s excellent second goal set the platform for a much improved second half display and was surely a contender for goal of the season.

"Andy Barcham (pictured) didn’t have the best of games but his mere presence gave the side more width."

BRADFORD FAN

(Mike Harrison)

Bradford City fans at Priestfield
Bradford City fans at Priestfield

"We started quite brightly and I was surprised at how shaky the Gills defence was. Our problem of not being able to score goals, which has held us back all season, did for us in the first half.

"Conceding just before half-time was not what we wanted and any plans made during the interval went out of the window with Gills’ second goal just after the restart. We were never going to come back from 2-0 down."

All pictures by Barry Goodwin.

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