Paul Jones started in goal behind a back four of Bignot, Stewart, Shittu and Howell. Ainsworth, Rowlands, Ward and Cook were in midfield with Gallen partnered by Nygaard up front. This was the first chance for the fans too see Nick Ward after his much talked about transfer from Australia.

It was noticeable that Rangers were trying to get the ball down and shift it through midfield. Rowlands seemed to be taking the slightly deeper role and collecting the ball from the back four to kick the attacks off. Ainsworth had found himself up against the tiny Danny Jackman at left back and there was plenty of traffic heading in that direction.

For all of the good play there wasn’t much in terms of clear-cut chances to be seen. Rowlands had a chance to shoot after Ward and Cook had created an opening for him but he pulled his shot badly and it was closer to the corner flag than the goal. Cook and Ward seemed to be developing a decent understanding and the Aussie found him a few times with a ball wide.

Gillingham weren’t posing much of a threat and this was largely due to an excellent display from Damion Stewart. The big Jamaican had looked a little rusty at Stevenage in midweek but that game appeared to have blown the cobwebs off and he was turning in an imperious showing, winning every header that came his way and looking calm in possession.

Ward had two great chances to notch for his new side before half time. Firstly he found some space outside the box but his speculative shot from twenty-five yards was well wide of the Raymond Homoet’s right hand upright. His next effort was far better though as some sparkling passing football ended with him striking the ball goal ward from twelve yards only to see Homoet plunge low to his left to turn the effort past the post.

Gallen almost burst through on goal just after the half hour mark and in truth he did well to get as far as he did with two Gills defenders hanging onto his shirt. He stayed on his feet and shot straight at the keeper, in truth he was penalized for his honesty as he could have hit the deck and taken the free kick on offer.

Just before half time Bignot was booked for a shocking tackle on the ludicrously named Clint Easton. The man with no name, except for that one, slipped the ball through Bignot’s legs and was duly hammered. It was something of a surprise to see the card come out as you rarely see them in friendlies. Bignot was forced off shortly afterwards with an injury collected in the challenge and Stefan Bailey replaced him at right back.

Half time saw a host of changes for Rangers with Shittu, Howell, Ward, Cook and Nygaard being replaced by Kanyuka, Rose, Tchakounte, Donnelly and Ray Jones. As you would expect that number of changes seemed to stop the team in their tracks and Gillingham had a decent twenty-minute spell right after the restart.

For all of their possession they didn’t seem able to fashion a chance that would give Paul Jones any more grey hairs. Any decent looking balls into the box seemed to be deal with by Stewart and Kanyuka without much trouble. Big Pat was forced to block one shot away but this was about as close as the home side came to notching.

With twenty minutes left the deadlock was finally broken in somewhat streaky circumstances. Rowlands lifted a freekick into the box, which Armel met with little eyebrows. The ball headed for Ray Jones and seemed to hit him and rolled slowly into the corner past the stranded Homoet. Lucky doesn’t do it justice but Giant Ray will no doubt have been delighted to register his first goal for the senior side even if he didn’t know too much about it!

Shortly after the goal Waddo made his final change with Baidoo replacing Rowlands and Gallen dropping back into midfield. Shabba’s pace caused problems immediately and T&T World Cup defender Brent Sancho seemed to have little answer to his blistering pace. A little more composure would have seen Baidoo grab a couple of goals but he lost his head at the last moment on two occasions.

This wasn’t a great game by any means but it served its purpose. Ward has had his first run out for the R’s and Shittu made a welcome return. Let’s hope that whatever deal was being lined up has fallen through and that he may be our player for the reminder of the season.

simon@qprnet.com