Curtis Weston battles in vain for Gillingham at Brighton. Picture: Barry Goodwin.

Brighton 2 Gillingham 0

Gillingham’s poor away form continued at Brighton as a goal either side of the interval settled the match.

A stunning free-kick midway through the first half gave Brighton the early advantage and, despite a spirited fight-back after the break, the home side added a decisive second 12 minutes before the end.

Elliott Bennett netted the opener with a 25-yard effort into the top corner and deep into the second half a cleverly worked corner-kick was converted by Tommy Elphick with a powerful header.

The Gills lined up with an experimental five-man defence, as Garry Richards slotted in alongside Mark Bentley and Josh Gowling in defence. They found themselves under plenty of early pressure though.

Albion winger Bennett saw an effort ricochet onto the post and seconds later Matthew Thornhill was only denied by a good save by Simon Royce.

Gills boss Mark Stimson was quick to change the formation and that looked to have paid off immediately as Bentley, now operating as a winger, crossed in for Andy Barcham and only a fantastic save from Michel Kuipers denied his close range shot.

With 25 minutes on the clock Brighton opened the scoring as the hosts capitalised on some sloppy Gillingham play. Weston was caught in possession by Bennett and he was brought down on the edge of the area by Adam Miller. Bennett picked himself up and curled the ball into the top corner.

Barcham again came close, as he slid onto Bentley’s cross but the ball spun the wrong way off his toe, enabling Brighton the mop up the danger.

The Gills ended the half on the offensive but went into the break a goal down.

There were few opportunities for either team at the start of the second, but Josh Gowling did come close, with a header from John Nutter’s corner that went over the bar.

Stimson’s side were well in the game, possession wise, and only a great tackle from Elphick denied top-scorer Simeon Jackson from pulling the trigger on the hour.

Gillingham were turning up the pressure but they were being frustrated in their attempts to find an equaliser. Referee Graham Scott ignored their pleas for a penalty after Elphick cleared Weston’s cross from inside the area.

Brighton remained a threat and only a great save from Royce denied Andrew Crofts from scoring against his old club, as he smashed in an effort from distance.

The Gills were made to pay for not making the most of their chances as Elphick doubled the lead with a header from Bennett’s cross.

Jacob Erkine was introduced as Gillingham were forced to attack in numbers but they were unable to break down the Albion defence.

Gills: Royce, Fuller, Nutter, Gowling, Bentley, Miller (Oli 52mins), Richards (Erskine 79mins), Weston, Payne (Lewis 52mins), Barcham, Jackson. Subs not used: Palmer, Maher, Julian, Rooney.

Brighton: Kuipers, Hoyte, McNulty, Elphick, Dicker, Crofts, Thornhill, Virgo, Bennett, Forster (Dickinson 46mins), Murray (Hart 67mins). Subs not used: Wright, Cox, Tunnicliffe, Davies, Smith.

Attendance: 5,960