Josh Parker and Callum Reilly send Portsmouth to defeat

Posted Wednesday, December 26, 2018 by PA

Sky Bet League One leaders Portsmouth lost for only the fourth time this season as Josh Parker and a Callum Reilly penalty earned Gillingham a 2-0 victory at Priestfield.

Parker met Elliott List’s cross to powerfully head into the top corner in the final minute of the opening half to put Steve Lovell’s side ahead.

Midfielder Reilly sealed the hosts’ victory in stoppage time, blazing his spot-kick past Craig MacGillivray after Jack Whatmough had clumsily fouled List.

The Gills, who beat Kenny Jackett’s side at Fratton Park in October’s reverse fixture, should have won by a more convincing scoreline.

Dean Parrett’s free-kick from 35 yards almost caught out MacGillivray six minutes into the second half and unmarked substitute Billy Bingham shot straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

Both Oli Hawkins and substitute Brett Pitman had chances for Portsmouth, while Ronan Curtis’ low effort was well tipped around the post by Gills goalkeeper Tomas Holy.

Captain Gareth Evans blazed over from 15 yards approaching the hour following good play by Lee Brown, and Pitman tamely shot at Holy on the turn with time almost up.