Stoke City 0 - 0 Gillingham

Stoke 0-0 Gillingham

Updated: May 9, 2004, 10:13 AM ET

Gillingham's Nationwide First Division status is secure after grinding out a goalless draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Despite Walsall's 3-2 victory over Rotherham, the Gills scrambled to safety after finishing the season level on points, but with superior goal difference to the Saddlers.

It was anything but plain sailing for Andy Hessenthaler's men who carved out several good goalscoring chances but looked fraught with nerves throughout.

Gillingham opted to run down the clock as soon as the news Walsall were 3-2 up reached the players, but such negativity almost backfired as the Potters went in search of a winning goal in the closing stages.

A combination of profligacy and good goalkeeping kept the Potters at bay, and although it was far too close for comfort, Gills fans will not care less as their side's future as a First Division side has been preserved for another season.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who was in charge of the Gills between 1995 and 1999, was desperate for a positive result against his former employers and it soon became apparent his side were not there to make up the numbers - despite having little to play for.

City midfielder Karl Henry, who signed a new one-year deal with the club last week, fashioned the best chance of the opening exchanges with a fierce long-range drive just wide of the target.

The visitors were not playing well, but sparked into life shortly after Henry's effort when Nicky Southall's outswinging corner found the head of Barry Ashby, who somehow missed the target from six yards.

Ashby's miss aside, Stoke remained the more likely to open the scoring and John Halls almost did so after 24 minutes when his deft chip from the right channel forced goalkeeper Steve Banks into a fine save low to his left.

But as the game wore on, the pendulum swung in favour of the visitors, and Gillingham finished the first half with a flourish.

Patrick Agyemang's snap-shot forced Ed de Goey into a dazzling reflex save and six minutes before the break, the former Holland international was in the thick of the action again to deflect Chris Hope's header over the crossbar.

The second half ambled along listlessly until the news Walsall were winning filtered around the Britannia Stadium.

Gillingham were understandably forced on the back foot and almost fell behind shortly after the hour mark when Gifton Noel-Williams spurned a gilt-edged opportunity from eight yards when he headed tamely wide.

Goalkeeper Steve Banks also played his part in maintaining parity with a stunning one-handed save off Halls' scuffed drive which seemed destined for the back of the net.

Banks' save inspired the visitors, who shut up shop and played out the closing stages with admirable steel as referee George Cain signalled the end of the contest - and the end of Gillingham's relegation fears.