Latics earn another point at Gillingham

SCORER . . . Michael Higdon

GILLINGHAM 3 ATHLETIC 3

A SUPBERB volley from Michael Higdon was the pick of the strikes as Athletic earned a valuable point in a richly entertaining clash at Gillingham.

The on-loan Sheffield United striker hammered in a volley from a cross by Dominic Poleon – also a scorer at Priestfield – as the visitors twice came from behind to pick up a fourth straight draw under boss David Dunn.

Two-goal Rory Donnelly had opened the scoring after eight minutes with a simple low finish from a left-wing cross.

Higdon's shot was deflected home by Brennan Dickenson after a corner was not cleared in the 28th minute, but five miniutes later poor defensive work allowed Donnelly to nod home for 2-1.

Athletic responded again, though, with Poleon chipping home neatly after being slipped in down the right channel by Higdon.

Dunn's side then held the lead thanks to Higdon's emphatic finish, only for Jake Hessenthaler to curl home a great equaliser from the edge of the area to level it up at 3-3.