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Gillingham's first division survival hopes suffered a major blow as they were ripped apart by Coventry at Priestfield.

Michael Doyle started the ball rolling with a superb free-kick and Andy Morrell and Gary McSheffrey added to the Gills' misfortune.

The Kent side sit just two points clear of the relegation zone and desperately need the three points to ease tension going into the final weekend of the season.

Gillingham midfielder John Hills recovered from the calf problem that kept him out of the game with Wimbledon and returned in place of Matthew Jarvis.

Coventry full-back Steve Staunton was ruled out after undergoing exploratory surgery and Doyle replaced him.

Morrell started in place of Julian Joachim, who was sidelined by a pectoral muscle problem.

The game started slowly but burst into life after just six minutes when the visitors took the lead. Doyle curled home a superb left-footed free-kick from 25 yards after Alan Pouton had brought down McSheffrey.

The Gills struggled to get back into the game and it was not until the 17th minute that they had their first meaningful effort on goal when player-boss Andy Hessenthaler dragged his effort wide of Scott Shearer's post.

Coventry looked by far the more dangerous side and it was no surprise when they doubled their advantage after 24 minutes. McSheffrey played in Morrell and the former Wrexham striker was afforded acres of space to pick his spot and plant the ball past Steve Banks.

And from their next attack the Sky Blues added a third. McSheffrey picked up a pass from Morrell 30 yards out and jinked inside the last defender before curling a delightful effort into the net from 20 yards.

Shearer was forced into his first save in the 33rd minute when he turned away Hessenthaler's header from Nicky Southall's flighted free-kick.

Banks then made a smart stop to block McSheffrey's shot from the edge of the box as Coventry continued to open up Gillingham with ease.

	Related stories: FT: Gillingham 2 Coventry 5 17:42 Saturday 1st May 2004 Preview: Gillingham v Coventry City 13:29 Friday 30th April 2004 More related stories

	Check for more on: Coventry City Gillingham English First Division Soccer

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