Latics turn it round at Gillingham

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 08 October 2016


GILLINGHAM 1, ATHLETIC 2

GOALS from Freddie Ladapo and Ryan Flynn earned Athletic three points after a second-half fightback at Priestfield.

On-loan Crystal Palace forward Ladapo spun past his marker and fired home neatly in the 65th minute to level for Stephen Robinson's side, four minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Flynn then arrived in the box in the 89th minute, controlling after the ball fell into his path to stroke in with the outside of his right foot.

Athletic had gone behind after 10 minutes when Connor Ripley failed to deal with a corner and Cody McDonald headed into the unguarded goal.

Robinson's men started the second half well and Lee Erwin might have done better than spin and fire off-target.

Jamie Reckord also fluffed his shot when well-placed from a Flynn centre.

Gillingham had a strong penalty claim turned down when Peter Clarke blocked a Jake Hessenthaler shot in the box, with home fans and staff feeling it hit an arm.

But after Ladapo had nearly scored for a second time, Flynn was on the spot to secure an away-day victory that lifts Athletic off the foot of the Sky Bet League One table.