Gillingham 0 Fleetwood Town 2: Strikers come good to seal first away win

Goals from experienced strikers Paddy Madden and Ched Evans got the job done as the Cod Army bounced back from Tuesday's defeat at Accrington Stanley.

And boss Joey Barton will be delighted his side picked up their first League One win on the road this season.

Barton made four changes to the side beaten in Tuesday night’s Lancashire derby. Summer signings Tom Edwards and Sam Finley made their full debuts for the Cod Army.

Man of the moment Harvey Saunders and Jay Matete also returned to the starting line-up as club captain Paul Coutts returned to the bench.

Barton’s boys started brightly as Glenn Whelan tried to find Saunders with a ball over the top.

The inclusion of Saunders definitely caused the hosts problems as the early-season hotshot repeatedly got into dangerous areas.

The youngster couldn’t quite latch on to Madden’s chipped pass as the scores stayed goalless.

Saunders had the first real chance of the afternoon as his effort was blocked by a Gills defender.

The hosts defended resolutely, with Finley and Saunders both being frustrated as they failed to hit the target.

Down the other end, Town keeper Jayson Leutwiler had to make a sharp stop to keep Dominic Samuel at bay after he got in behind the defence.

And seconds later Fleetwood were indebted to the woodwork as John Akinde’s effort cannoned off the post.

Just before the break Leutwiler’s palms were stung by a Zech Medley strike.

Finley could have sent the visitors ahead deep in first-half stoppage time but his effort flew wide of the mark.

Fleetwood rode their luck as the woodwork came to the rescue for the second time.

This time it was Alex MacDonald whose left-footed strike rattled the bar as the Gills came closest to an opener.

Evans almost made an immediate impact after coming off the bench as he teed up Madden.

Fleetwood were left fuming when shouts for a penalty were waved away after Callum Camps went down in the box, then just after the hour Edwards’ audacious effort flew over the bar.

Gillingham’s resolve was broken down in the 66th minute as Irish striker Madden grabbed his first league goal since the opening day.

This time it was Fleetwood who hit the woodwork as Camps headed against the bar, but predator Madden was in the right place at the right time to nod home the rebound to give the visitors the lead.

Barton’s charges had to work hard to keep hold of their lead as the Gills pushed for an equaliser.

Connor Ogilvie was sent off with six minutes left for a second booking after felling Matete.

And substitute Evans put the game to bed in stoppage time as he rifled home his first league goal of the campaign after being played in by Madden.

Fleetwood: Leutwiler, Edwards, Mulgrew, Connolly, Andrew, Matete, Whelan, Finley (Duffy 67), Camps (Coutts 87), Madden, Saunders (Evans 54); subs not used: Cairns, Holgate, Burns, McKay.

Gillingham: Bonham, Jackson, Tucker, Ogilvie, Medley, Graham, Robertson (Willcock 75), Eccles, O'Connor (MacDonald 24), Samuel (Coyle 85), Akinde; subs not used: Walsh, McKenzie, Woods, Maghoma.

Referee: John Busby