Gillingham 3 Brentford 2

GILLINGHAM won a thriller at Priestfield against Brentford to boost their League 1 survival hopes.

Darren Byfield struck twice on his return from suspension, while Brent Sancho headed the opener, as the Gills climbed out of the relegation zone.

Gillingham ended the match with nine men, after both Alan Pouton and Sean Clohessy received reds, but that wasn’t enough to stop them earning a crucial victory.

A ninth minute header from Sancho - starting his first game since early January - handed the home side the lead as he converted Tommy Black’s corner.

Brenford, however, levelled just six minutes later when Michael Turner steered home a corner.

Former Margate defender Sam Sodje gave Gillingham a lifeline in the final minute of the half, when he needlessly bundled over Matt Jarvis in the box, enabling Byfield to convert from the spot.

The second half was end to end but Gills went into a 3-1 lead, with a cool finish from Byfield, just minutes after they had been reduced to 10 men, after Pouton was dismissed for a 72nd minute professional foul.

Brentford pulled a goal back on 79 minutes through Jay Tabb and Sean Clohessy received a straight red a minute from time after kicking out at Sam Tillen.

Gillingham hung on despite the numerical disadvantage to claim a vital three points as they strive to avoid a second successive relegation.

Gillingham: Brown, Clohessy, Sancho, Cox, Jackman, Black (Spiller 75), Crofts, Pouton, Jarvis, Byfield, Mulligan (Harris 87).
Subs Not Used: Crichton, Wallis, Grant.
Attendance: 5,745.