Oxford United 0 Gillingham 0

George Dugdale

Oxford United missed the opportunity to pull clear of Crewe Alexandra in the race for the play-offs after a draw with a battling Gillingham side.

With Ryan Clarke's injury keeping him out, Wayne Brown made a first league start for Oxford. Michael Duberry returned from suspension, with Harry Worley dropping out of the defence.

The home side started the game brightly with Adam Chapman pulling the strings in midfield, but could have fallen behind when Danny Kedwell found himself in acres of space at the back post. When the former AFC Wimbledon striker eventually fired goalwards, he was denied by a fine block from Liam Davis.

Oxford's best opportunities of the opening period came and went in quick succession after good work from Damian Batt on the right flank. The full-back's cross was diverted towards the corner of the net by Asa Hall but young Gillingham goalkeeper Paulo Gazziniga flung himself to his right to repel the Oxford midfielder. Scott Rendell was quickly on the loose ball and only a fine block from Connor Essam prevented Dean Morgan from netting the pull-back.

Chris Wilder's men began to lose some of their early momentum, whilst Davis was alert once more to remove danger in the Oxford penalty area. Whilst the game was occasionally lacking cohesion, it was never lacking in desire. Bookings were handed out in quick succession to Jake Wright and Kedwell, marking the final action in a half that had seen both defences on top.

Chances remained at a premium in the second half, although Asa Hall may still not understand how Matt Fish got a head in the way of a rasping drive that was heading into the back of the net. It was an heroic piece of defending, but the kind of incident that drives fans to wonder if it's going to be their day.

Wilder made a changes midway through the half as Oli Johnson replaced the unusually quiet Cristian Montano, with Chapman replaced by James Constable, allowing a shift to 4-4-2. Although sections of the home support voiced their displeasure at the removal of the midfielder, the change almost paid immediate dividends. Constable showed his strength to shrug off a challenge out wide, before his cut-back was stroked towards goal by Oli Johnson. Once more, United were denied by the increasingly irritating Essam.

Both sides needed the victory and the play became stretched as a result. Gillingham forced a number of corners, but aside from one smart save to his right, Brown remained untested in the Oxford goal.

There was further discontent from the home fans as Dean Morgan appeared to pull up with an injury, before making the long walk from the field as play continued at the other end of the field.

In stoppage time, however, the game appeared to be heading for a dramatic conclusion. Johnson, who had beaten his full-back a number of times with quick footwork, surged into the area. The former Norwich man was clearly pulled back as he burst clear, only for referee David Coote to inexplicably book Johnson for 'simulation'. The furious home crowd proceeded to inform Mr Coote of his ineptitude. The 641 Gillingham fans in the crowd of 7,322 breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

The draw didn't do either side many favours, although Oxford remain in control of their own destiny in the play-off places. After the impressive second half performance against Torquay, this game was slightly underwhelming. Oxford defended well and were competitive in the midfield, but couldn't find a way past Gazziniga or his committed defenders. Some of the play in the final third lacked quality and tempo, but on another day the three goalbound efforts could easily have found the back of the net rather than last-gasp blocks. Wayne Brown's appearance was deeply reassuring and the experienced goalkeeper's distribution provided the platform for a number of attacks. Jake Wright and Michael Duberry were in control at the back, whilst Andy Whing continues to enhance his reputation as a fine holding midfielder. Cohesive attacking moves were few and far between, although the involvement of James Constable had a far greater impact on the game than it has in recent weeks. United remain in pole position for the play-offs, although a failure to win in the last three home fixtures is a source of frustration.

I rarely speak too strongly against referees in these reports, but David Coote has irritated me before. Firstly, his failure to understand the basics of allowing an advantage after a foul has taken place is a more effective method of destroying attacks than Claude Makelele in his prime. On no fewer than three occasions in the game, Mr Coote chose to blow his whistle as Oxford players moved forwards. The first was perhaps unfortunate, as a Morgan backheel to release Hall was unexpected with an opponent tugging at the winger's shirt. However, his insistence on calling a promising attack to a halt, merely to talk to a Gillingham player about his tackle, was poor officiating. Conversations can take place after attacks have had an opportunity to fulfil their potential. Coote's third offence was welcomed by a severe telling off from Andy Whing. You may expect he will have learnt his lesson, but I wouldn't be too optimistic.

The referee also thrust himself into the spotlight as he judged Oli Johnson to have dived in the area. The linesman was in a perfect position to see a pull on Johnson's shoulder, making it surprising that a penalty was not awarded. For Mr Coote to accuse Johnson of cheating when contact was so clear was scandalous.

Oxford United have Macclesfield Town to thank as a play-off place was maintained due to Crewe's 2-2 draw at Moss Lane. Swindon are a point away from promotion after a 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle, whilst Shrewsbury's 3-1 victory over Rotherham lifts them into second place. Torquay remain in third after a goalless draw with Southend, with Crawley failing to take advantage as they drew 1-1 with AFC Wimbledon. Cheltenham moved four points clear of United with a 4-1 home victory over Accrington Stanley. Hereford remain at the foot of the table after a 1-1 draw in their vital clash with Barnet, whilst Macclesfield are still three points adrift of safety. Bristol Rovers thumped Burton Albion 7-1, whilst Aldershot and Dagenham drew 1-1. In the league's other fixture, Morecambe and Port Vale played out a goalless draw.