Gillingham's two-goal hero Simeon Jackson tries to break through the Huddersfield defence Picture: Barry Goodiwn

by Luke Cawdell

Simeon Jackson’s double for Gillingham sealed a valuable three points against Huddersfield in League 1 at Priestfield.

Jackson scored with just seven minutes gone to give the Gills the early advantage over their promotion-chasing opponents, and they never looked back.

Huddersfield’s hopes of levelling things up were dented after 26 minutes, when wide-man Nathan Eccleston was sent-off for a crude challenge on Stuart Lewis, and they were two behind seconds after the restart when Jackson struck again.

Gills boss Mark Stimson said: “There possibly weren’t many people expecting us to win that game, but we thoroughly deserved it against a strong Huddersfield side.

“We set our stall out from the start to put pressure on them and that’s what we did. There were two great strikes from Simeon Jackson.

“His first goal was a fantastic strike and it came from some great pressure by Adam Miller. I think the second goal was even better as it was a great finish on the outside of his boot.

“Maybe with a bit better finishing from the team we could have scored even more but we’ll take the two. It was a very good win against a team chasing a play-off position.”

Reacting to the tackle on Lewis, Stimson said: “It was a horrible tackle, but he got over it.

“I don’t think that helped us because after that the 10 got better and sometimes that happens for some crazy reason. They had a go and at the end of the game Huddersfield had all of their strikers on.”

Jackson put Gillingham ahead with just seven minutes gone. Miller closed down a clearance from Robbie Williams and passed the ball to the Gills' top scorer, who did the rest from 25 yards.

It was a richly-deserved goal for the Gills as they started the first half at a fast tempo. In the opening six minutes Rene Howe had two shots on goal, both which were saved by ‘keeper Alex Smithies.

As early as the fourth minute Smithies was in trouble with the referee after fouling Jackson when well out of his area. There were calls for a sending off from the crowd, but referee Fred Graham produced a yellow.

If Graham had been lenient on Smithies there was no question of him doing the same for winger Eccleston, as his hard tackle on Lewis midway through the half earned him a straight red card.

Lewis had got the nod ahead of Chris Palmer to play right-back and he was lucky to be able to continue following prolonged treatment by physio Paul Wilson.

Chances followed for the Gills with Garry Richards heading into the keeper’s hands and Andy Barcham, back in the starting eleven for the first time since the home defeat to Tranmere, sending a shot just wide.

Huddersfield weren’t out of it and finished the half well. Richards nearly turned the ball into his own net from Anthony Pilkington’s cross and moments later he did well to block Lee Novak’s powerful shot.

If Town thought they were in trouble at the break it took just 20 seconds of second half action before Gillingham doubled the lead. Jackson raced onto a flick from Howe and smashed the ball past Smithies.

Howe should have added a third on the hour, after Jackson turned provider, but a poor touch when clean through allowed Smithies to gather.

Jackson came close to an equaliser with 15 minutes left from Dennis Oli’s cross, and thanks to a great dummy from Andy Barcham, but he was foiled by a double save from Smithies.

Town ended the game with some fight and Gary Roberts struck the post ten minutes later. Julian also had to make a good save to deny fellow sub Theo Robinson.

Gills: Julian, Lewis, Nutter, Richard, Dennehy, Jackman, Miller, Barcham, Weston, Jackson, Howe (Oli 73mins). Subs not used: Royce, Maher, Bentley, Palmer, Dickson, Walker.

Huddersfield: Smithies, T Clarke, Williams (Robinson 74mins), P Clarke, Trotman, Eccleston, Pilkington (Roberts 61mins), Kay (Collins 54mins), Drinkwater, Rhodes, Novak. Subs not used: Eastwood, Berrett, Pearce, N Clarke.

Attendance: 5,388