Gillingham's mini-revival after two games came to an abrupt end at Maine Road on Saturday when City striker Shaun Goater deflated them with a hat-trick.

Two goals in a first half two minutes, the 18th and 20th, left Gillingham with an uphill task from which they never recovered.

When Darren Huckerby added a third in the 35th minute there was no way back for the vistors.

Goater completed his hat-trick in the 53rd minute before Gillingham substitute Marlon King scored a consolation goal in the 70th.

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