IN A GAME that came alive in the final 20 minutes Gillingham deservedly took all three points against fellow strugglers Rotherham United.

After a first half that saw Gills hit the post and have two decent claims for a penalty turned down, their patient play was finally rewarded in the 70th minute when Chris Hope scored with a super looping header.

Former Gills goalie Mike Pollitt was beaten again 10 minutes later when substitute Matt Jarvis hit a beautiful first-time effort low into the corner.

Rotherham staged a comeback of sorts when Will Hoskins came off the bench to reduce arrears, but the Millers’ misery was compounded in injury time when Paolo Vernazza scored a bizarre own goal to seal a home victory.