A CALAMITOUS late error from Southend United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley gifted table-topping Gillingham a 1-1 draw at the Priestfield Stadium this afternoon.

The Shrimpers seemed set for a stunning away win when Stephen McLaughlin fired them in front after just 11 minutes.

But, in the 89th minute, Bentley allowed Doug Loft’s long ball forward to sail over his head and into the back of the net to ensure the game ended even.

Gills threatened early on with Jermaine McGlashan sending a well strong long range shot straight at Bentley.

In reply, Blues midfielder Anthony Wordsworth soon saw a low, effort from the edge of the penalty area gathered by Gillingham shot-stopper Stuart Nelson at the second attempt.

But, the Shrimpers continued to threaten and they went in front in the 11th minute, with McLaughlin netting for the first time this season.

The Irish winger was picked out by a brilliant header from Joe Pigott and made no mistake with an accurate lobbed finish over the head of the advancing Nelson.

Moments later, Pigott teed up Wordsworth who fired wide of the left post from 20 yards before the Gills hit back with Brennan Dickensen sending a powerful effort inches over the crossbar.

However, the Shrimpers were soon back on top and, in the 26th minute, Pigott saw a low effort from a narrow angle blocked by the legs of Nelson.

Blues continued to attack and were screaming for a penalty when David Mooney went to ground inside the area while under pressure from former Southend loanee John Egan.

But referee Ben Toner opted to wave on in the closing action of the first half.

After the break, Blues keeper Bentley was forced to parry away a left wing cross from Bradley Garmston before the custodian easily gathered an over-head kick from Rory Donnelly.

Gills continue to push for an equaliser and, in the 64th minute, Gary Deegan was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card when he brought down Bradley Dack on the edge of the penalty area.

Dack curled the resulting free-kick over the crossbar before Phil Brown immediately decided to take off Deegan, replacing him with Will Atkinson in the centre of the park.

The Shrimpers made a second change in the 77th minute with Glen Rea coming on for Mooney before Myles Weston took the place of McLaughlin just four minutes later.

However, the Gills pushed hard for a late leveller and Bentley had to be at his brilliant best to deny Harry Lennon from close range.

But Bentley went from hero to villain right at the death when he somehow allowed Loft’s long ball forward to sail over his head to allow Gillingham’s unbeaten home record to stay intact.