Chesterfield 0 Gillingham 1

Mark McCammon's first half goal secured Gillingham a vital three points as they continue their pursuit of an automatic promotion spot.

The Gills striker headed in on 22 minutes but they faced plenty of pressure in the second half.

~ More pictures from Saltergate >>>

In the first half Chesterfield top scorer Jack Lester twice had a sniff at goal but his efforts both went wide and in the opening 45 minutes Gills keeper Simon Royce had nothing to do.

The Gills took the lead with 22 minutes gone when the home defence failed to deal with John Nutter’s corner kick, Simeon Jackson picked up the loose ball and he played it back to Nutter, whose cross was headed in by McCammon.

Jackson went close on a couple of occasions towards the end of the first half. His first chance on the edge of the box flew wide and his second effort on the opposite side was volleyed wide.

A good half for the Gills was ended with another chance, but this time Curtis Weston failed to find range from distance.

Royce had to be alert early in the second half, when a long ball over Gillingham’s defence fell into the path of Lester, but the Gills keeper made a diving header outside his area to clear the danger.

Chesterfield midfielder Derek Niven headed wide on the hour and moments later Royce had to save with his feet from Drew Talbot as the hosts pressed for an equaliser.

With 70 minutes gone Gillingham were let off the hook, when Kevin Austin hit the post with a header from Jamie Lowry’s corner-kick, and moments later Lester shot wide again when in space.

Royce had to make a great save to deny Lester, when he finally got an effort on target, and the 23-goal striker’s follow-up flashed across the face of goal.

Chesterfield continued to press and Niven prodded a shot wide while Talbot fired into Royce’s arms.

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson said: “Chesterfield had only lost once in 15 games and were on a fantastic run.

“We had to be ready for the physical challenge and when we got the ball we had to try and create a couple of chances and I was pleased because in spells we looked good.

“They are going to have their chances at home. Jack Lester is the top goalscorer in the division and still a very good player but we had some chances and a couple of good opportunities.

“The away support this season has been amazing and they were fantastic again. Despite being in and end with no roof, we could hear them and they were loud.

“It was a good three points and that sets up the next two games.”

Gills: Royce, Fuller, Nutter, Lewis, King, Richards, Jackson (Southall 90mins), Wright (Bentley 70mins), Weston, McCammon (Oli 70mins), Barcham. Subs not used: Steer, Julian.

Chesterfield: Lee, Robertson, Lowry, Austin, Niven, Gritton, Lester, Hall (Gray 46mins), Till (Algar 63mins), Wilson (Boden 90mins), Talbot. Subs not used: Currie, Goodall.

Attendance: 3,933.