First-half goals from Dominic Poleon and Dean Parrett earned Wimbledon a 2-0 win against 10-man Gillingham.

After 20 minutes a weak back pass from Rory Donnelly, only introduced as a substitute for Bradley Dack seven minutes earlier, set up a race for the loose ball between Poleon and keeper Stuart Nelson.

Poleon was the first to the ball and he skipped away from the stranded Nelson before stroking it into an empty net.

Lightning almost struck twice after 39 minutes following another poor back pass that went straight to Tom Elliott but Nelson saved bravely at the Wimbledon striker’s feet.

The home side – now unbeaten in four – were not to be outdone, though, and doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time with Parrett converting from the penalty spot after John Pask was penalised for dragging Paul Robinson to the ground.

Donnelly curled a free-kick inches wide on the hour as Gills looked for a way back but his day was ended prematurely when he was sent off by referee Darren England for an abusive gesture toward the home fans.

The defeat sees The Gills drop to 12th place in League One, still only two points outside the play-off places and now face Millwall away on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy.

AFC Wimbledon line up: Shea, Fuller, Meades (Kelly 83), Robinson, Charles, Beere (Bulman 73), Reeves, Barcham, Parrett, Elliott, Poleon (Taylor 656.

Subs not used: McDonnell, Whelpdale, Barnett, Robertson.

Goals: Poleon (20), Parrett (pen 45+1).

Booked: Parrett (61).

Gillingham line up: Nelson, Osadebe, Konchesky, Ehmer, Pask, Oshilaja, Oldaker, Byrne, Knott, Emmanuel-Thomas (List H/T), Dack (Donnelly 14).

Subs not used: Hadler, Hessenthaler, Dickenson, Wright, Stevenson.

Booked: Osadebe (27), Konchesky (72).

Sent Off: Donnelly (89)

Referee: Mr Darren England

Attendance: 4,653 (801 Gills)