Most of the first half was pretty even, and we looked a lot more solid at the back than of late. Neither side managed to create a clear-cut chance, although on one occasion Vokes seemed to fluff at least a half-chance from an Anderton cross. I like the look of Vokes, though: only 17 but more than holding his own at this level.
And it was fitting that the youngster put us into the lead 10 before half-time. Hayter, back defending on the edge of our box, lumped the ball downfield for Vokes to chase. Former Cherries' favourite Ian Cox seemed to have the situation in hand, but Vokes outmuscled him, sidestepped the advancing keeper and coolly slotted the ball home. A well-taken goal – his first ever at senior level!
We ended the half confidently and deservedly in front.
HT: 0-1
The second half perhaps inevitably saw us pinned back in our own half, but the travelling support remained in good voice as our defence came under increasing pressure. Moss, who hadn't had a great deal to do in the first half, was now beginning to earn his pay. In fact, he was magnificent, making three or four outstanding saves. The Gills huffed and puffed and even hit the bar, but were never quite sharp enough to beat Moss.
We somehow managed to weather the storm, and even had a good chance ourselves after a slick move down the left flank finished with Hart setting up Hollands whose shot was well saved by Brill.
The late introduction of Pitman nearly settled the match in our favour when he headed Gillett's wicked free kick against the near post. Then a few moment later, he cleverly created a shooting opportunity for himself, beating the keeper only to see the ball rebound from the far post.
The ref found 4 minutes of added time from somewhere as the hosts redoubled their efforts to get something from the game, eventually winning a corner. Although we had successfully defended countless corners in the game, this was one too many, as Crofts managed to evade his markers to head home unchallenged at the near post.
Our fans and players alike looked gutted as the final whistle went. It felt as is we'd lost.
Still, it was the first point I've see us get at Priestfield and we would probably have taken it before the game. Although there were a lot of positives to take from the game in terms of overall performance, we need to play at least as well as this every week if we are to avoid the drop this term. Perhaps youth is the answer?
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AFCB: Moss, Purches, Young, Broadhurst, Hart, Hollands, Anderton, Gillett, Vokes, Fletcher, Hayter
Subs: Stewart, Cooper, Pitman (for Vokes, 64), Gowling (for Hayter, 70), Connolly (for Purches, 86)
Ellis Griffin, Chertsey