JAMES Beattie’s penalty earned Accrington Stanley a point this afternoon after League Two leaders Gillingham had goalkeeper Stuart Nelson sent off.

Stanley had trailed to a 42nd minute goal from Myles Weston, who collected Deon Burton’s knock-down before turning and firing home from six yards.

But the Reds introduced top scorer Padraig Amond off the bench midway through the second half and within 30 seconds he had won a penalty as he latched on to a headed backpass before being felled by Nelson.

The Gillingham keeper received his marching orders and Beattie, making his home debut for Stanley, beat replacement stopper Tommy Forecast from the penalty spot.

Craig Lindfield then missed a fine chance put the Reds ahead as he fired wide after being played in by Beattie.

And victory eluded Stanley by inches as Rommy Boco’s late 20-yard effort rebounded off the post.

Stanley: Ian Dunbavin; Dean Winnard, Toto Nsiala, Rob Atkinson, Michael Liddle; Luke Joyce, George Miller; Craig Lindfield, Rommy Boco, Lee Molyneux (Padraig Amond 68); James Beattie. Subs not used: Andrew Dawber, Peter Murphy, Danny Schofield, Bohan Dixon, Will Hatfield, James Gray.

Gillingham: Stuart Nelson; Matt Fish, Callum Davies, Adam Barrett, Danny Jackman; Chris Whelpdale (Charlie Allen 79), Romain Vincelot, Lewis Montrose, Charlie Lee (Tommy Forecast 70); Myles Weston, Deon Burton (Andrew Frampton 90). Subs not used: Connor Essam, Bradley Dack, Adam Birchall, Ben Strevens.

Referee: Scott Duncan.

Attendance: 1,624.