Chris Palmer celebrates scoring against Shrewsbury Picture Barry Goodwin

by Matthew Panting

Two-goal Chris Palmer was the hero for Gillingham as they claimed their first win of the season on Saturday.

Palmer scored a goal in each half and Gills even had the luxury of missing a second-half penalty.

Palmer put Gills ahead when he slotted in at the second attempt on 12 minutes after Jack Payne's long throw-in.

Danny Spiller went close to adding a second while, after an uneasy start by keeper Lance Cronin, Gills were relatively untroubled at the other end.

Gills were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute after Barry Fuller's cross was handled but Adebayo Akinfenwa's spot-kick was saved.

It mattered little as Spiller was tripped in the box and Palmer tucked away the second spot-kick with ease in the 59th minute.

Cronin came to Gillingham's rescue with a brilliant save to deny Mark Wright but Gills comfortably held on to move up the table.

What is your reaction to the Gills' first win of the season? Leave your comments below.