League Two - Gillingham set up Shrews final

Eurosport - Sun, 10 May 22:10:00 2009

A Simeon Jackson brace saw Gillingham overcome Rochdale 2-1 at Priestfield to win by that score on aggregate and set up a League Two play-off final clash with Shrewsbury.

FOOTBALL 2008-09 League Two - Gillingham's Simeon Jackson celebrates scoring the first goal against Rochdale in the play-offs at Priestfield - 0

Chris Dagnall equalised Jackson's opener before the Gills striker finished confidently from the penalty spot in the second period to ensure the home side's passage to Wembley.

Dale started the first half brighter, playing some intuitive football in the Gillingham half. However it was the Gills who struck first against the run of play on 13 minutes.

Despite the ball appearing to strike Dennis Oli's arm the referee allowed the striker to play in Andy Barcham down the left, whose cross found Jackson at the near post.

The frontman finished clinically past a helpless Frank Fielding in the Rochdale goal.

Dale continued to boss possession without creating any clear-cut chances but they found a way through on 37 minutes, and it was no more than the away side deserved.

After Joe Thompson blocked a Barry Fuller clearance in the Gills' area, the ball dropped to Dagnall; the striker turned neatly inside John Nutter before firing past Simon Royce.

The second half began much the same as the first, with Rochdale retaining the ball well and frustrating the home side.

Neither team created many opportunities before Rory McArdle scythed down Curtis Weston in the Dale area.

Jackson stepped up and added his second of the game to put the Gills 2-1 ahead.

Rochdale threw on Adam Le Fondre and Jon Shaw in search of an equaliser, putting the Gillingham defence under some severe pressure.

In a thrilling finish both sides had chances to add to the scoreline but Gillingham held on to book a play-off final spot on May 23.

Tim Burnett / Eurosport

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  1. Gills will suffer again for this!...just like they did­ with City TEN YEARS AGO!!!

    From Chris W, on Mon 11 May 12:00PM

  2. Gillingham, you were VERY, VERY, VERY lucky, and you­ know it! First goal should have been stopped for a­ handball by Oli, and tv replays show McArdle never­ touched Weston for the penalty. Add to that the­ "severe pressure" the Gillingham defence were­ constantly under, and you must thank your lucky stars­ for a "homer" referee.
    Ex-Rochdale player­ Grant Holt will put your defence to the sword at­ Wembley, so you had better prepare yourself to see Holt­ take revenge for Dale's unjust exit.

    From Philip B, on Mon 11 May 9:30AM

  3. Gillingham, you were VERY, VERY, VERY lucky, and you­ know it! First goal should have been stopped for a­ handball by Oli, and tv replays show McArdle never­ touched Weston for the penalty. Add to that the­ "severe pressure" the Gillingham defence were­ constantly under, and you must thank your lucky stars­ for a "homer" referee.
    Ex-Rochdale player­ Grant Holt will put your defence to the sword at­ Wembley, so you had better prepare yourself to see Holt­ take revenge for Dale's unjust exit.

    From Philip B, on Mon 11 May 9:25AM
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    From yuyukih, on Mon 11 May 1:05AM

  5. Where do they get these reporters? a 3-1 aggregrate­ victory?

    From Thames Ironworks, on Sun 10 May 10:05PM

  6. Well done Gills...See you at Wembley

    From thebear1968, on Sun 10 May 9:19PM
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