Gillingham 1-0 Walsall - analysis: Lack of finesse and imagination in attack costs Saddlers
When Walsall fans made the 167-mile trip to the Priestfield Stadium, history suggested a draw was on the cards.
The last three trips had ended honours even, including two goalless stalemates, and this had all the ingredients of another bore draw.
The winning goal itself was perhaps fitting for what descended into a scrappy, drab affair, and it was also avoidable from a Walsall perspective.
Remeao Hutton hurled a dangerous long throw into the danger area, which Walsall failed to deal with at the near post.
The ball eventually ricocheted into the feet of Gills defender Andy Smith, who with his back to goal, teed up Bradley Dack to dispatch his beyond beyond the reach of Saddlers shot-stopper Myles Roberts.
To his credit, Gareth Ainsworth had clearly done his homework and played his tactics right. Gillingham had started in a 4-2-3-1 formation in their opening day draw against Accrington Stanley, whereas they switched to a 3-5-2 for the visit of Walsall.
Former Blackburn midfielder Dack tucked inside to partner Robbie McKenzie in the centre of the park and Gills skipper Armani Little augmented the play from deep, with Joe Gbode and Elliott Nevitt leading the line.
The Gills' back-three, in particular Shadrach Ogie, neutralised the threat of Walsall's front pair Jonny Stuttle and Aaron Pressley, while their man for man approach made it difficult for Walsall to create.
Stuttle and Pressley touched the ball just once in the opposition box, whereas Gordon failed to touch the ball in the Gills box at all.
