Lincoln City were defeated 3-0 at LNER Stadium this evening as Gillingham left with the three points. City had lot's of possession and created plenty of chances but it wasn't to be for the home side as the Gills picked up the victory.
Michael Appleton made two changes from the weekend's match with Tom Hopper and Liam Bridcutt replacing James Jones and Cohen Bramall.
City started the evening with some nice passing play in the final third and were so close to taking the lead in the 4th minute of the match from the first corner of the game. Brennan Johnson's dangerous set piece was flicked on by Adam Jackson at the near post as the ball flashed across the face of goal but nobody was able to tap it in as Gillingham were let off the hook.
The chances were still arriving for City here as Regan Poole created space for himself before crossing to Brennan Johnson, but the Welsh international couldn't quite guide his effort on goal.
The first goal of the game arrived in the 10th minute for Gillingham against the run of play as Vadaine Oliver notched the opener. Jordan Graham worked the ball onto his right foot before lifting a cross to the back post which was met by the former City striker to make it 1-0.
Despite the early set back, the Imps continued to move the ball well in search of the equaliser with Gillingham looking to get the ball forward quickly and the sucker punch arrived shortly afterwards.
The Gills made it 2-0 in the 20th minute of the match as Kyle Dempsey pounced on a flick on from a long ball, before slotting the ball past Alex Palmer to double their lead.
Brennan Johnson and Conor McGrandles had half chances for City as Regan Poole and Tayo Edun continued to be involved in City's attacking moves.
The Gills were so close to scoring a third as Alex Palmer made two stunning saves to deny Jordan Graham and Alex MacDonald
Morgan Rogers had the next chance for the hosts as Conor McGrandles played the ball through to him but his right footed drive fell the wrong side of the post in the 33rd minute.
Gillingham continued to cause City problems with their direct play as Akinde and Oliver competed well for the first and second balls up front.
As the half time whistle approached, City had a great shout for a penalty as Brennan Johnson was clearly fouled in the box but the referee waved away the appeals, much to the frustration of the Lincoln City players.
Half Time - Lincoln City 0-2 Gillingham
The Imps continued to dominate posession despite being 2-0 down at the beginning of the second half.
The first chance of the second period fell to Lincoln City as a well worked free kick was hit by Liam Bridcutt, but Vadaine Oliver cleared the chance from his own goal line to prevent City halving the deficit.
The Imps continued to create chances as Tayo Edun then pulled the ball back to Brennan Johnson but his left footed strike from the edge of the 18 yard box was blocked as the Gills cleared the danger.
Jack Bonham was called into action in the 60th minute as he did tremendously well to tip a Tayo Edun drive onto the crossbar, so close.
Cohen Bramall was introduced in place of captain Liam Bridcutt who managed to get an hour in the tank following his return from injury.
The Imps continued to create chances as Regan Poole came close next. A Tayo Edun cross fell kindly to Poole who controlled the ball well but his right fopoted drive flew past Jack Bonham and the post.
Gillingham extended their lead in the 87th minute as Cohen Bramall fouled Jordan Graham in the box as the visitors were awarded a penalty. Jordan Graham picked himself up to slot the penalty past Alex Palmer.
Full Time - Lincoln City 0-3 Gillingham
Imps
1. Alex Palmer
2. Regan Poole
4. Lewis Montsma
5. Adam Jackson
7. Tayo Edun
9. Tom Hopper (Scully 83')
18. Conor McGrandles
19. Callum Morton
20. Brennan Johnson
23. Liam Bridcutt (Bramall 65')
27. Morgan Rogers
Subs
31. Sam Long
8. James Jones
11. Anthony Scully
14. Theo Archibald
15. Cohen Bramall
17. Remy Howarth
22. TJ Eyoma
Bookings - Johnson 69', Edun 72'
Gillingham
1. Jack Bonham
2. Ryan Jackson
3. Connor Ogilvie
4. Stuart O'Keefe
5. Jack Tucker
8. Kyle Dempsey
10. Jordan Graham (O'Connor 90')
15. John Akinde (Johnson 90')
16. Alex MacDonald
19. Vadaine Oliver (Lee 90')
25. Robbie Cundy
Subs
12. Sacha Bastien
11. Ollie Lee
14. Robbie McKenzie
17. Tyreke Johnson
21. Tom O'Connor
23. Henry Woods
Goals - Oliver 10', Dempsey 20', Graham 87'
Bookings - O'Keefe 49', Tucker 65' Akinde 76'
Referee - Ross Joyce
Asst Referees - Daniel Woodward & Christopher Ward
4th Official - Ollie Yates
