Football: Spiller's choice for Gills

JOE KINNEAR suffered his first defeat since taking charge of Nottingham Forest as relegation fears returned to his side.

Gillingham leap-frogged Kinnear's men after this battle at the bottom which finished with Forest's Alan Rogers sent off after a clash with substitute Alan Pouton.

Forest had been unbeaten in five matches since boss Joe succeeded Paul Hart, but the visitors let things slip from the moment after Nicky Barmby scored his first goal for the club.

While Forest arrived seemingly on the up, Gills had been hit by problems which have left them without 10 experienced pros.

But one of the old boys they did have was Andy Hessenthaler, who has just signed a new three-year deal as player-manager.

It's easy to see why he is so vital to the future of Gillingham, his quality on the ball and fighting qualities off were crucial in a game in which his midfield were almost swamped by Forest.

The visitors started by far the stronger and former Gillingham striker Marlon King's shot did little to help settle the nerves of on- loan keeper Lars Hirschfeld.

The Canadian is the fourth keeper used by Gillingham this season, and the fourth nationality. But he seemed to be playing a different game in the first half especially, as he persistently found touch with his kicks.

Forest's domination earned its reward as Taylor crossed for Barmby to net from close-range.

Gillingham could have collapse at that point but instead they seemed to relax and play some good football.

However the equaliser came right out of the blue. Patrick Agyemang collected the ball 35 yards out and took a couple of strides forward before hitting a fierce drive into the top left corner.

Forest keeper Barry Roche had to be alert for another long-range effort by the Gills' Malawi striker Mamady Sidibe while Hessenthaler volleyed over.

Forest started the second half brightly when Andy Reid shot just over from 30 yards, but from then on Gillingham took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Kinnear's team could not find a way out of defence and they paid the penalty in the 82nd minute when Danny Spiller bundled the ball over the line.

Hessenthaler could have been sent off when he rugby tackled Reid as he broke through, but the position on the inside left channel and the presence of other defenders probably saved him.

Forest's frustration boiled over in the closing minutes when Rogers was sent off after a clash with Pouton, who himself was shown a yellow card.

Moments earlier Pouton had been wrestled to the ground by Hessenthaler as he threatened to get involved in a scrap with Reid.

MAN OF THE MATCH DANNY SPILLER

Impressive display and a goal.

GILLINGHAM: Hirschfeld 5, Smith 7, Ashby 6, Southall 7, Hessenthaler 7, Agyemang 7 (Pouton 5), Leon Johnson 6, Rose 6, James 7, SPILLER 8, Sidibe 7.

NOTTM FOREST: Roche 7, Louis-Jean 6, Rogers 7, Morgan 6, Walker 7, Impey 7, Thompson 6, Barmby 7 (Sonner 6) Reid 7, King 7, Taylor 7.

MANAGERS: Hessenthaler 7; Kinnear 6.

REFEREE: P Crossley 7.

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