Gills ended a run of four consecutive league defeats on the bounce with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rotherham at Priestfield this afternoon.

The game started off slowly with neither side looking too confident but it was Andy Hessenthaler's team who got the opening goal with the first shot on target.

Marlon King picked up possession on the left wing and after being allowed to cut inside onto his right foot he let rip with a fierce drive into the bottom corner of the net on 27 minutes.

King had three other good chances to score before half time but, with the visitors rarely threatening, Gillingham were happy to go into half time one goal up.

The home side extended their advantage eight minutes after the interval when Chris Hope buried a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.

The second goal seemed to spur Rotherham on and they were unlucky not to pull a goal back on more than one occasion as Gills keeper Vince Bartram made a number of excellent saves.

Mark Robins did eventually score for the visitors but his injury time header was too late and Gillingham were able to hold out for the three points.