Gillingham’s match-winning keeper Stuart Nelson almost missed Monday’s game through injury.

Boss Justin Edinburgh revealed after the win over Colchester that Nelson only made the starting XI after passing a fitness test prior to the match, having taken a blow in the Boxing Day win over Swindon.

Nelson played through the pain and made two super late saves, twice denying visiting striker Marvin Sordell, to ensure the Gills claimed maximum points.

“They were match-winning saves, simple as that,” said the relieved manager.

“He has won us the points and that is what you want from your keeper, he has to play his part if you are going to be successful.

“I can think of saves at Bradford and one or two other places where he has had to perform and win us the points and he certainly did that."

And Edinburgh added: “He nearly didn’t make the game. He took a blow at Swindon and looked like he would miss it. He had a lot of pain killers before the game and luckily he came through the fitness test and played.”

It was Nelson’s seventh clean sheet of the season.

Nelson won back his no.1 shirt in the summer, convincing manager Edinburgh not to sell him.

Edinburgh said: “He has had a fantastic season.

“He came back at the start of the season with a great attitude and certainly changed my mind and I am so glad he did.

“They are match-winning saves he makes and that is what you need from your keeper at crucial times.

“He certainly proved to me what he was about in the summer and his performances are proving I was right in not letting him leave!”