Gillingham 0-3 Walsall: Jekyll & Hyde Gills collapse after promising start
15.08.26, 19:56 Updated 15.08.26, 20:20
Simon Head
Gillingham made a nightmare start to the 2026/27 League Two season, after an encouraging display was eventually ruined by a disastrous final 16 minutes as the team conceded a sucker-punch goal, then capitulated to concede two more as they lost 3-0 at home to Walsall.
For around 80 minutes of the 2026/27 League Two opener at Priestfield, there was plenty for the home faithful to be encouraged by. The team was mixing up its play much more than we've seen over recent seasons, with direct play accompanied by some neat build-up play through midfield and out wide.
But by the end of the game, manager Gareth Ainsworth was staring at a 3-0 home defeat, his newly-installed captain with a potentially long-term injury, his former captain also back on the treatment table, and the sound of boos raining down from certain sections of the stadium.
Become a member today.
Gills 365 needs its community to support independent, high-quality coverage of Gillingham. Subscribe to a monthly or annual package today to be a part of something special.
Already have an account? Sign in
Related Topics
Simon Head is the founding editor of Gills 365. A veteran sports journalist and editor with more than 25 years in the industry, he has written for major news outlets, broadcasters and sports organisations around the world. Simon is a longtime Gillingham season ticket holder, and has been a regular at Priestfield since the mid-1990s.