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Gillingham failed to win on Saturday but German defender Max Ehmer had plenty to celebrate.

He missed the birth of his daughter because he was playing up north in Fleetwood.

The Gills drew their League 1 game after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser.

Defender Max Ehmer missed the birth of his child to play for Gillingham Picture: Ady Kerry

Ehmer was keen to get home after the match.

The 27-year-old, who already has a young son, tweeted: “Gutted not to get all 3 points but more importantly over the moon with the birth of my daughter yesterday. Time to go home and meet her.”

Gillingham stopped overnight in Preston on Friday ahead of their game at Fleetwood.

Fellow defender Barry Fuller congratulated his team-mate.

Fuller, a father himself, said: “This guy is an absolute legend for staying with the team while his wife gave birth to their daughter. Congratulations to you and the family bro.”

Gutted not to get all 3 points but more importantly over the moon with the birth of my daughter yesterday. Time to go home and meet her 💙 — Max Ehmer (@MaxEhmer) March 2, 2019

On Sunday the player announced his daughter's name as Thea Valentina Ehmer with a picture on Instagram.

Ehmer was making his 199th appearance for the Gills - putting him in the top 50 all-time appearance list - and they came close to winning, having taken an 83rd minute lead through Tom Eaves.

The Gills added their congratulations, tweeting: “A fantastic performance and we hope mother and child are well.”

He received a flurry of messages from fans, including one from captain Gabriel Zakuani, who is currently injured.

Ehmer’s absence on Saturday would have left them short of defensive cover, with another central defender Alex Lacey also out injured. With Zakuani out for the season, he is captaining the side at present.