Matty Kennedy wins it for Portsmouth at Gillingham

Posted Sunday, October 08, 2017 by PA

Matty Kennedy's goal 26 seconds into the second half earned Portsmouth a 1-0 win against managerless Gillingham.

The unmarked Cardiff loanee fired home from close range after Curtis Main's powerful header rebounded off the post.

Jamal Lowe squandered the visitors' best chance to seal his side's second away league victory of the season 17 minutes from time. Having been dispossessed on the halfway line by Kyle Bennett seconds earlier, Gills defender Connor Ogilvie recovered to block the midfielder's shot.

Pompey had earlier enjoyed the better of a scrappy opening half, with home goalkeeper Tomas Holy saving well from Kennedy's curled effort and Ben Close's half volley. Bennett's dangerous low delivery also flew across the face of goal after 23 minutes.

The hosts had a first-half penalty appeal waved away by referee Chris Sarginson after loanee Sean Clare tangled with makeshift defender Oliver Hawkins on the edge of the box.

Parker's header from home debutant Finn O'Mara's cross was ruled out for offside after 66 minutes as the Gills slipped to their third league defeat in four games.