Coventry 2 - 1 Gillingham: Sky Blues grateful to substitute Charles-Cook as winless league run halted

Posted Sunday, February 19, 2017 by PA

Bottom club Coventry secured their first win in 16 league games with a 2-1 win over Gillingham.

Kwame Thomas opened the scoring from close range in the 16th minute after finishing off a neat move between Ryan Haynes, Callum Reilly and Marcus Tudgay.

Russell Slade's men doubled their lead five minutes later as George Thomas intercepted Andy Rose's shot six yards from goal and slotted the ball past Gillingham goalkeeper Stuart Nelson, while Max Ehmer was on target for the visitors.

Coventry could have increased their lead further by half-time. Marcus Tudgay headed just wide in the 23rd minute, while George Thomas' 35th-minute shot was blocked by Nelson.

Gillingham pulled a goal back in the 55th minute through captain Ehmer, who slotted home at the far post after Coventry had failed to clear a corner.

The Sky Blues had substitute goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook to thank for keeping them in front, as he made a superb one-handed save from Bradley Dack's 65th-minute header having replaced the injured Lee Burge early in the second half.

Both sides had chances to score more, but Coventry held on for the win which leaves them nine points from safety, while Gillingham slip to 18th in the table.