Tooley’s Take on Gillingham draw

SpireitesTV commentator Phil Tooley takes a look at the game and its context.

Chesterfield 1-1 Gillingham

League Two Match #4

A big step forwards in performance, but not big enough to ensure the right, and deserved, result was achieved, so all in all, more vexation and no elation.

A total of 24 shots, 10 on target. Since Paul Cook led the team back to the EFL, that’s the most shots the team has had against an 11 men opponent. The April Fools’ Day 2-1 home win in 2025 against Carlisle United had more (25/15), but The Cumbrians played for an hour short-handed. The last time the team had more than 10 shots on target against a fully-manned side was at Crewe Alexandra in the 5-0 Gresty Road win in August 2024, and that was only 11.

Nine efforts were shots from outside the penalty area, not a record I keep, but I’m sure that’s not been beaten too many times in recent seasons.

It was something of a surprise that the same 11 players that started at Rotherham United trotted out onto the pitch for the Gillingham encounter, but clearly the manager knew they had more to offer, something to prove, and in the opening 45 minutes, they collectively proved what they could achieve, and it was plentiful.The only bugbear? Just 1-0 at half-time.

No gilt-edged misses, but some solid goalkeeping, excellent defending and not quite sniper-like shooting. The one goal, teed-up by the metronomic Liam Manderville and deliciously delivered by Josh Koroma, who still had plenty to do, was a beauty, as was the tip-over save by Ollie Wright that denied Dilan Markanday, a constant threat in the opening 45. The main half-time conversations were along the lines of ‘it should have been more,’ and you can’t argue against that.

No doubt Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth, with close on 700 games under his managerial belt, wasn’t overly pleased with his team at the break. He tweaked a bit and the Kent side came out of the blocks somewhat more determined than had been the case earlier. For 15 or 20 minutes, Gillingham were the better side; not dominating play, but being solid opponents who made life difficult for the hosts, and they rode their luck just before the hour mark.

A left-footed hoof from the keeper was inadvertently hit upwards by Jack Simpson and as the ball came down, former Larne teammate of Lee Bonis, Ronan Hale, reacted in a quick, strong and determined manner.The ball fell kindly for Hale and his shot looked to be covered by Ryan Boot, but it clipped a defender and deflected in for the equaliser.

Chesterfield regained control but in a less controlled manner than in the first half, whilst the visitors continued to defend with vigour plus a bit of wrestling and despite corners and shots aplenty, Spireites could not break through to deliver the win that the lowest home crowd since the return to the EFL craved. It still seems bonkers that 7103 soles can be classed as a low attendance!

New boy Louie Marsh showed some neat touches, whilst plenty of others put in strong performances that deserved more than a single point. But chances have to be put away, especially when the team is on top and dictating the game, whilst errors have to be minimised if not eliminated.

Barnet at home on Saturday, the first of three games against teams that have started reasonably well, Oldham Athletic and York City follow, all three of the teams are in the fledgling table’s top-seven. We’ll be able to make a much more informed evaluation after those games.

Plenty of money has been wagered on Barnet this season and their two wins and two draws show they’ve got something to offer, and with Kabby Tshimanga leading the line and Idris Kanu supporting, they will undoubtedly be a threat going forwards.

Every Spireite will be hoping the team can continue their home run against The Bees, the last five results at The SMH Group Stadium, all home wins, have been 3-1, 4-2, 3-1, 4-2 and 6-0.

We need a twist of fate in the style of young Oliver, whose creator Mr Dickens lived pretty close to Gillingham. Please Sir, I want some more! Not gruel, but Barnet bashing.

Phil’s Positive: Chance creation was excellent, but that needs to be converted into goals.

Chesterfield (4–2–3-1 to start): Boot; Hutton (Eccleston 90+5), McFadzean, Simpson, Gordon; Stirk, McEachran (Naylor 76); Markanday, Mandeville, Koroma (Marsh 76); Bonis (Bryden 76). Subs (not used); Pond, Owolabi-Belewu, Lamptey.