Gillingham 2 Rotherham 0

BARRY Ashby's first goal of the season set Gillingham on the road to three crucial points from Saturday's relegation showdown with Rotherham at Priestfield.

Centre-back Ashby, whose 26th minute dismissal at Carrow Road on Tuesday, saw the game turn in favour of leaders Norwich, more than made amends in the 15th minute when he volleyed Gillingham ahead from Nicky Southall's free kick.

Rotherham were shown no mercy as Gillingham moved in for the kill with a second goal in the 19th minute.

Patrick Agyemang made all the running and strike partner Mamady Sidibe took advantage to break his long goal drought with a sixth goal of the season that sealed victory.

Goalkeeper Steve Banks made sure there was no way back for Rotherham with a series of vital saves in the second half.

The win lifted Gillingham into 17th place in the Nationwide League, Division 1 and sends the club off to FA Cup semi-finalists Sunderland on Tuesday in good heart.

Attendance: 8,047