Stoke City 0 Gillingham 0

12 months ago the Potters were in the exact same position as the Gills this time around, needing a result on the final day to stay up. This time around there were no such nerves, in the home end at least and a respectable and impressive 11^th place finish was secured.

Over 19,000 fans packed in to thank Tony Pulis and his troops for what has been a fantastic season whilst 3,000 nervous Gills fans made the trip full of hope and expectancy. There was a carnival atmosphere inside the ground and Ade Akinbiyi was graced with possibly the best standing ovation that is ever likely to be seen as every fan in the stadium stood up and clapped for their player of the season.

Pulis had promised not to give his old club any favours and he was true to his word, fielding his strongest possible line-up. Youngsters Gareth Owen and Andy Wilkinson retired to the bench and Ed De Goey, Marcus Hall, Gerry Taggart, Wayne Thomas and Carl Asaba were all fit to start. Peter Hoekstra on his final ever match day was on the bench.

City started strongly and Asaba and Karl Henry both shot wide early on. Henry was on hand at the other end meanwhile to head off the line. 15 minutes in and Carl Asaba had the best possible opportunity to score against his old club. Kris Commons put a brilliant ball into the box but Asaba scuffed his shot wide much to the delight of the following Gills supporters.

Ex-Stokie Steve Banks making his fifth appearance against City this season, denied John Halls before a wonderful Potters move resulted in an inch perfect cross from Asaba reaching Gifton Noel-Williams who headed agonisingly wide of the far post.

Gillingham then had their two best chances of the half. Patrick Agyemang raced through the Potters rearguard but De Goey stood tall and saved superbly with his feet. He was on hand again to tip a Chris Hope header over the bar and the two teams went into the interval on level terms and with the Gills still safe.

The first half had been a good open game but the second was slightly more subdued as the Gills began to settle for a draw and the Potters lacked the urgency to go for the win. Gillingham were looked the better side but Noel-Williams was denied by Banks once before he flicked over a Commons free-kick.

After 68 minutes, Banks staked a very strong claim for save of the season. Wayne Thomas met a corner in full force and his header seemed certain for the bottom corner before Banks flung himself full stretch, tipping the ball away with one hand. 2 minutes later Peter Hoekstra was sent on for his final swansong and the whole crowd rose to thank a man who has delighted all for his three years at the club.

In the 78^th minute Carl Asaba appeared to have scored when his header was only partly saved by Banks but John Hills hacked away the ball and neither the referee nor the linesman ruled the ball crossed the line. TV replays later showed that it should in fact have been a goal.

In the other relegation battle Walsall had taken the lead three times to lead 3-2 but the Gills held on for a point that was enough for their survival and the Britannia stadium saw a team escape relegation for the second season running.

Afterwards, the players all came out for a lap of honour and Peter Hoekstra was given the special send-off he deserved. Tony Pulis was quick to leave but should be proud of himself and his players. Last time anyone looked, Noel-Williams was approaching the half way line on his own personal lap of honour!