Gillingham 2 Tranmere Rovers 0

GILLINGHAM secured their first win of the new year after a comfortable win over Tranmere at Priestfield.

Gillingham ended a dominant first half performance with a two-goal lead thanks to an own goal and a brilliant Andrew Crofts header.

The Gills took the lead after 21 minutes when Danny Jackman’s corner was whipped into the area, it beat everyone, with a last touch from Rovers defender Chris McCready, who was under pressure from Bas Savage.

Ronnie Jepson’s side continued to have the upper-hand and a second goal came on the half hour. Matt Jarvis was the creator, as he played a good ball into the box, and Crofts was there to steer a powerful header past keeper Joe Hart.

Gillingham faced a stiffer Tranmere side after the break but hung on for victory, with the visitors hitting the post from Chris Shuker and Gills keeper Romain Larrieu making several crucial saves.

The win could have been more emphatic - more chances from Jarvis were unconverted, leaving Gillingham to settle for just two goals.

Gillingham: Larrieu, Sancho, Johnson, Chorley, Jackman, Bentley, Crofts, Flynn, Jarvis, Mulligan, Savage.
Subs Not Used: Jupp, Easton, McDonald, Collin, Ndumbu-Nsungu.
Attendance: 5,378.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Priestfield every Monday and Friday in the Medway Messenger.