Martin Allen hailed another great victory as Gillingham moved a step closer to promotion.

A dominant first half in their 1-0 victory over Accrington in League 2 was followed by a second 45 minutes where the Gills dug deep to keep their opponents at bay.

Gills boss Allen (pictured) said: “I thought we were absolutely fantastic in the first half, played some really good football and were tenacious and very composed in possession.

“We had four or five chances before half-time to go 2-0 up from Joe Martin and then Chris Whelpdale and Deon Burton. We have all seen in all of the divisions that anxiety can set in for the home team, who are finding it difficult and struggling to win. I thought the players showed determination, courage, togetherness and unity to protect that goal.

“Of course we would have all liked to have seen us play like we did in the first half. But, as we have seen from all the divisions from all of the clubs, it’s not easy at this stage and at this time of the year. I thought Accrington, to be fair to them, played well in the second half.

“They have had some very good results recently and they made it very difficult for us, but I wouldn’t say we held on. I thought we defended resolutely, it’s an important part of the game is defending, and you could see when we went 4-5-1 everyone did their job for the club. Yes there was relief but it was a great victory.”

Gillingham’s clean sheet on Saturday was their 16 in the league this season.

Allen admitted it was not necessarily easy to watch, as Accrington had second-half chances, but felt comfortable knowing his team had the quality to keep the opposition out.

“There weren’t too many chances by the opposition (in the second half),” he said.

“When we defend like that, yes it’s not great for the home supporters but we have got one of the best, if not the best goals, against ratio in the country, and they all defend.

“That’s an important part of football. We have conceded quite a few goals in the last five or 10 minutes of games and it was very important we kept that clean sheet right through to the end. Yet again, it’s another clean sheet for the club.”