Kuffour and Kedwell secure Gills win

The Gills got back to winning ways this afternoon but it almost didn’t go according to plan.

A first half hat-trick from Jo Kuffour looked to have set the Gills on their way to three points, but it was Danny Kedwell with nerves of steel from the spot that did seal the deal.

The game was end to end from the first whistle and but for the width of a post the Gills could have been behind early on.

Ross Flitney had done well to get down and save from Michael Jacobs, Saido Berahino followed up but his shot hit the upright.

It took only a minute for the Gills to go in front however. Matt Lawrence’s cross fell kindly for Jo Kuffour who did well to turn and fire home.

The Gills went 2-0 up on the half hour when a well worked move saw Whelpdale head down, Kuffour with his back to goal cheekily back heeled the ball into the back of the net.

Northampton did get on the score sheet shortly after. Bayo Akinfenwa fed the ball to Berahino and he fired past Ross Flitney.

With the clock about to tick towards half time the Gills went further ahead thanks to a penalty.

Jo Kuffour was taken down in the area, but the referee waved away the appeals, only for the lines man to award the spot kick. Jo Kuffour stepped up and calmly fired home a first half hat trick to make it 3-1.

Shortly after the restart and Northampton were back in the game again.

Adebayo Akinfenwa was causing the Gills defence problems, and his presence created the Cobblers second goal. Langmead then pick the ball up in the area and slotted into the bottom left hand corner for 3-2.

Northampton then went on to try and press for the equaliser and it duly came via Berahino.

Jacobs played the ball into the area and Berahino arrived on the run to slam the ball home and draw the scores level.

The game was a back and forwards spectacle as the clock ticked towards full time.

Nouble was fouled by Langmead in extra time and the referee pointed towards the spot.

Danny Kedwell returning to the starting line up stepped up in front of the Rainham End and sent the keeper the wrong way. His goal ensured that the Gills took all three points.