Gillingham 1-1 Northampton Town: The scoring drought is over, but there's still plenty of work to do

The Gills started superbly, and were passing the ball particularly well in the early stages of the game, with James Brophy and Nick Freeman both looking dangerous going forward.

And, in the seventh minute, it was the latter who created the opening goal of the game, as Freeman cut inside onto his left foot and swung over a tantalising deep cross for Conor McManus, who timed his run perfectly to ghost in at the back post and head into the far corner to put the Gills ahead.

It was the dream start for Gillingham's new number three, who scored his first senior goal just seven minutes into his first league start for the Gills.

Gareth Ainsworth's side looked confident as they continued to press and harry Northampton through a series of coordinated high presses and snapping tackles in midfield. Robbie McKenzie was booked early for a late challenge, and was very lucky not to be handed a second yellow, or perhaps even a straight red, for a two-footed challenge that drew a final warning from referee Elliott Swallow.

Despite having the better of the opening half-hour, Gillingham couldn't add a second. A free-kick from Ronan Hale whistled inches over the crossbar, while a left-footed effort from Freeman was dragged the wrong side of the near post.

After a prolonged period of Gillingham pressure, the visitors came out of their shell a little and, after a Cobblers corner was half-cleared, Logan Briggs cut inside and fired at goal, with his effort bravely blocked by the face of Omar Beckles.

However, the ball fell straight back to the feet of Briggs, who didn't waste his second opportunity as he planted the ball past the debuting Ollie Wright and into the top corner.

It meant Gillingham went into the dressing room somewhat unfortunate to be on level terms. And, as the weather started to become more of a factor in proceedings, things didn't get much better for either side in the second half.

With a gusting, swirling wind causing havoc for anything played through the air, both sides struggled to create opportunities, though again, it was the Gills who managed to fashion a hat-trick of chances, but none found the back of the net.

First, Ronan Hale latched onto a well-timed pass from Will Goodwin to cut inside and shoot straight at Zach Jeacock in the Northampton goal. Then, later in the half, the excellent James Brophy surged into the penalty area and cut back onto his left foot only for his powerful effort to be brilliantly tipped over the bar by Jeacock.

And, with the game petering out as the second half drew on, Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth made a late triple-change as he introduced Sheldon Kendall, Garath McCleary and new loan striker Lamin Sillah with nine minutes to go.

However, the changes weren't enough to find the home side a winner, with Kendall's powerful drive from the angle the best chance of a scrappy final 10 minutes, but his effort fizzed just over the crossbar with Jeacock well beaten.

There was a late half-chance for substitute Sheldon Kendall, who came in off the flank and fired powerfully over the crossbar from the angle.

But, in the end, neither side had enough in the locker to find that elusive match-winning moment as the match finished in a 1-1 draw.