Gillingham 2 Wigan Athletic 1

GILLINGHAM moved to within two points of safety with a shock victory over Championship leaders Wigan Athletic at Priestfield on Saturday.

Although Stan Ternent’s side rode their luck at times, Darius Henderson’s two goals were good enough and gives the Gills a huge boost in their battle for survival.

The visitors started brightly and Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts began to show their quality with some good link-up play.

But it was Gillingham’s Nyron Noswortyh who had the best chance early on, forcing Wigan keeper John Filan into a smart save.

Matt Jarvis also tested Filan, but his deflected shot after a fine one-two with Henderson lacked any real power.

The main talking point of the first half came when Henderson clashed with Filan after jumping for a high ball. It was an unnecessary challenge and provoked the keeper into a reaction. Both players could count themselves lucky to escape with yellow cards.

The introduction of Mamady Sidibe at the break changed everything as his direcdt and powerful running started to cause problems in the visitor’s defence.

Andrew Crofts hit the side netting with a shot before Henderson broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half.

Sidibe was the creator with a probing run down the left channel and Henderson was left with a simple half-volleyed finish when the ball was cut back.

But the Gills have been unable to hold onto leads lately, and Wigan were level within three minutes as Ellington gave Steve Banks no chance with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box.

Barry Ashby’s looping header nearly embarrassed Filan, but the home team were back in front in the 64th minute.

This time Henderson’s task was not so easy and he deserves huge credit for crafting a superb chipped finish over the advancing Filan having been played in by Crofts.

Wigan moved up a gear and seconds later Mike Flynn cleared Jimmy Bullard’s goalbound effort off the line.

They then hit the woodwork twice in quick succession. First Gary Teale hit the bar after a lovely run and chip, then Roberts somehow contrived to hit the post when faced with an open goal from three yards out.

The Gills were indebted to their goalkeeper Banks for keeping them in the game. One save late on from Ian Brechin will rank as one of the saves of the season.

With Coventry drawing 0-0 at home to Stoke, Gillingham were able to close the gap on their relegation rivals.

But as well as the points, the confidence the side can take from a victory like this will be a massive psychological lift for the fight ahead.

Gillingham: Banks, Nosworthy, Ashby, Cox (Hope 73), Hills, Southall, Smith, Flynn, Crofts, Jarvis (Sidibe 46), Henderson. Subs Not Used: Bossu, Pouton, Byfield.

Attendance: 7,209.