Oldaker’s stunning strike earns Gillingham victory over Slough

Posted Monday, December 03, 2018 by PA

Darren Oldaker’s stunning second half strike saw Gillingham progress to the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in six years after beating Slough, the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, 1-0 at Arbour Park.

Midfielder Oldaker’s spectacular dipping shot from 30 yards three minutes after the restart was enough to send Steve Lovell’s side into Monday’s draw.

Separated by 67 places in the leagues, the National League South side were left to regret a number of missed chances in a first half that they dominated.

Striker Matt Stevens saw his overhead kick rustle the roof of the net after 13 minutes, before Scott Davies’ speculative half-volley from 35 yards flew inches past Tomas Holy’s post.

Captain Mark Nisbet’s header was claimed by Holy at the second attempt midway through the opening half and Warren Harris’ right foot effort from the edge of the box narrowly missed the target.

Lee Togwell headed into Holy’s hands from close range, before two James Dobson curling efforts flashed just wide in the closing stages of the first half.

After Oldaker scored his first goal since November 2017, Gills striker Josh Parker was denied the chance to seal the League One side’s victory as he shot straight at Jack Turner from 12 yards.

Substitute Manny Williams wasted the Rebels’ best chance to earn a replay when he headed wide from George Wells’ pinpoint cross 16 minutes from time.