Match report
Gillingham Holds Off Colchester In League Two Draw
Gillingham
1–1
FT
Colchester
Dec 29, 2025
Gillingham held off a determined Colchester side at the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday evening, ending in a 1-1 draw. The match was characterized by strong defensive play from both teams, with R. McKenzie scoring for Gillingham and A. Read converting a penalty for Colchester to secure the point.
Key Facts
- • Gillingham: 1 goal (R. McKenzie)
- • Colchester: 1 goal (A. Read, from the spot)
- • Key substitutions: S. Vokes and S. Palmer-Houlden for Gillingham; Harry Anderson, J. Payne, M. Mbick for Colchester
- • Yellow cards: A. Little (Gillingham), Kyreece Lisbie (Colchester)
Lineups
Gillingham
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Starting XI
- 25 J. Turner (G)
- 5 A. Smith (D)
- 4 C. Masterson (D)
- 30 S. Gale (D)
- 2 R. Hutton (M)
- 14 R. McKenzie (M)
- 8 A. Little (M)
- 11 A. Rowe (M)
- 23 B. Dack (F)
- 12 S. Palmer-Houlden (F)
- 19 S. Vokes (F)
Substitutes
- 1 G. Morris
- 3 M. Clark
- 6 E. Coleman
- 9 J. Andrews
- 10 J. Williams
- 20 E. Nevitt
- 22 S. Ogie
Colchester
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 1 M. Macey (G)
- 2 R. Hunt (D)
- 5 J. Tucker (D)
- 24 H. Araujo (D)
- 3 E. Iandolo (D)
- 16 A. Read (M)
- 8 T. Bishop (M)
- 14 K. Lisbie
- 10 J. Payne (M)
- 7 H. Anderson (M)
- 33 M. Mbick (F)
Substitutes
- 12 T. Smith
- 9 S. Tovide
- 15 D. Gape
- 19 W. Goodwin
- 21 O. Edwards
- 30 K. Vincent-Young
- 40 F. Terry
Timeline
-
58' Gillingham subst · Substitution 1Off: S. Vokes · On: J. Andrews -
68' Gillingham subst · Substitution 2Off: S. Palmer-Houlden · On: Elliott Nevitt -
68' Colchester subst · Substitution 1Off: Harry Anderson · On: O. Edwards -
74' Gillingham Goal · Normal GoalR. McKenzie · Assist: A. Rowe -
77' Colchester Card · Yellow CardKyreece LisbieArgument
-
81' Colchester subst · Substitution 2Off: J. Payne · On: S. Tovide -
82' Colchester subst · Substitution 3Off: M. Mbick · On: W. Goodwin -
86' Gillingham Card · Yellow CardA. LittleArgument
-
87' Colchester Goal · PenaltyA. Read -
89' Colchester subst · Substitution 4Off: K. Lisbie · On: K. Vincent-Young -
90' Gillingham subst · Substitution 3Off: C. Masterson · On: E. Coleman -
90' Gillingham subst · Substitution 4Off: B. Dack · On: Jonathan Williams
Match Stats
| Stat | Gillingham | Colchester |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 23 | 13 |
| Pass Accuracy | 63% | 73% |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
| Red Cards | — | — |
| Total Shots | 16 | 15 |
| Corners | 6 | 5 |
| Total Passes | 251 | 328 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Blocked Shots | 9 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 5 |
| xG | 1.66 | 1.63 |
| Shots off Target | 3 | 5 |
| Possession | 44% | 56% |
| Goals Prevented | — | — |
| Accurate Passes | 159 | 240 |
| Shots Inside Box | 12 | 11 |
| Saves | 4 | 3 |
| Shots Outside Box | 4 | 4 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ R. McKenzie's goal in the 74th minute gave Gillingham a crucial lead, but Colchester quickly responded through a penalty by A. Read just three minutes later to level the score.
- ▸ Multiple substitutions on both sides aimed at maintaining momentum, with Gillingham bringing on key players like S. Palmer-Houlden and Colchester making notable changes with J. Payne.