Colchester vs Gillingham End in Stalemate as Play-Off Hopes Stall

7 December 2025 Sport

Play-Off Ambitions Dented in Goalless Draw

Colchester United drew 0-0 with Gillingham in League Two on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off that saw both sides miss the chance to move into the League Two play-off places. The match, played at the JobServe Community Stadium before 4,832 spectators (839 away), showcased the tight competition in England’s fourth tier as two ambitious sides battled for crucial points.

First Half Chances at Premium

The opening period saw Colchester make a bright start and set the tempo, early on, with the hosts looking more threatening throughout the first 45 minutes. Colchester almost took the lead in the 27th minute when Kyreece Lisbie’s strike on the turn was deflected away for a corner by former U’s goalkeeper Jake Turner inside the six-yard box, after a superb flowing attack by the hosts. Gillingham also created opportunities, testing Colchester goalkeeper Matt Macey on several occasions.

Second Half Intensity Increases

The match grew more competitive after the interval as both teams pushed for a winner. Dack led Gillingham’s improvement in the second half, getting himself further forward than in the opening 45 minutes. The visitors, cheered on by more than 800 away fans behind the goal they were attacking, frustrated the home side’s attacking efforts. The game was on a knife-edge in the second half with both sides searching for a winner but in the end, the points were shared.

Significance for Both Clubs

The draw represented Gillingham’s fourth successive league draw, highlighting their recent struggles to convert performances into victories. For Colchester, it was a missed opportunity to build on their recent good form and climb into the promotion places. With the League Two season heating up, both teams will need to find consistency to maintain their play-off aspirations. The result keeps both clubs hovering just outside the top seven, setting up an intriguing second half of the season as they look to secure a spot in the promotion race.