Jack Payne celebrates his goal that turned out to be the winner for Gillingham against Stockport Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Goals from Cody McDonald and Jack Payne helped Gillingham to a much-welcome three points in League 2 at Priestfield on Saturday.

The Gills took just three minutes to go in front and it was McDonald who did the damage with a powerful finish from a Chris Palmer corner.

Palmer then delievered the cross for the second. McDonald chested the ball goalwards and all goalkeeper Matt Glennon could do was divert it into the path of a grateful Payne (pictured). He lashed it in from close range with 37 minutes gone.

In between those efforts, Adebayo Akinfenwa had a shot cleared off the line as Gillingham dominated.

Alan Julian, who was back in goal as one of four changes from the previous weekend, had a comfortable first half and claimed everything without much fuss.

The Gills ended the opening half on a high as Palmer’s free-kick was headed over by Akinfenwa.

Stockport pulled a goal back after the break when Anthony Pulis, son of former boss Tony, shot home with 81 minutes on the clock.

Gills: Julian, Fuller, Nutter, Lawrence, Sinclair, J Payne, Weston (Rooney 78mins), Maher, Palmer, McDonald (Oli 76mins), Akinfenwa (McCammon 51mins). Subs: Inkango, S Payne, Essam, Cronin.

Stockport: Glennon, Lynch (Pilkington 71mins), Williams, Turnbull, Swailes, Assoumani, Pulis, Griffin, Poole (Fisher 46mins), Simpson, Donnelly. Subs: Vincent, Tansey, Mainwaring, Fisher, Rose, Fon Williams.