Gillingham’s survival hopes got a little harder on Tuesday night thanks in part to a former player.

Danny Lloyd was released in the summer after a long-term injury left his career in the balance but he’s back playing after winning a contract at Rochdale. His cross on Tuesday led to their winner - deepening the problems for their relegation rivals Gillingham.

Victory for Rochdale at Bradford - winning 2-1 from a goal down - lifted them out of the bottom two and six points clear of the Gills. That’s the gap now between Neil Harris’ men and safety in League 2.

Hartlepool drop to 23rd and they are the visitors to Priestfield on Saturday.

Harris is looking for new players to improve his side’s hopes but they need to win twice just to get out of the drop zone - assuming those teams above them don’t keep picking up points. Gills have only won two of their 23 games in the first half of the season.

Rochdale’s star performer Lloyd last played for the Gills at Ipswich last February. He was in good form before the serious injury. Rochdale initially signed him on a month’s deal and this week rewarded him with a contract for the remainder of the season.

Gillingham head to 22nd placed Rochdale on Saturday, February 18. Prior to that they play second from bottom Hartlepool this weekend and 20th placed Colchester the week after. It’s a crucial period for the Gills as they fight to retain their Football League status.