Two more goals from Oli Hawkins and George Lapslie sealed Gillingham a League Two double over Rochdale as Neil Harris’ side moved nine points clear of their rock bottom hosts.
After the two former Mansfield men won the Gills three points under the midweek floodlights at Priestfield, they were at it again at Spotland as Hawkins headed home Robbie McKenzie’s first half cross and when Lapslie combined with Tom Nichols fifteen minutes from time the points were heading back to Priestfield.
Dom Jeffries could have given the Gills an early lead but was denied by the feet of Rochdale keeper Richard O’Donnell whilst Glenn Morris did well to thwart veteran Ian Henderson at the other end though was relieved to see one of his defenders blast the ball to safety.
Midway through the half, Hawkins struck. McKenzie’s throw was worked back to the full back and his centre found its way through to the big striker who netted his second goal in two games, beating O’Donnell with a fine header.
Both keepers earned their respective spurs before the break – Morris doing well to keep out Toby Mullarkey whilst O’Donnell denied Lapslie. That was to be the home keeper’s last real action of the game as he was forced off before half time with injury being replaced by Jake Eastwood.
The second half was similar to the first with both sides creating chances, but the visitors scoring the only goal.
Eastwood dealt with Tim Dieng’s shot, whilst Morris denying Scott Quigley before the Gills keeper seemed to have made a real mess of Owen Dodgson’s cross. Morris though showed great agility repositioning and managed to get enough on the ball to keep the ball out.
The lead was doubled, and the points sealed fifteen minutes from the end when Nichols broke into the box, leaving Eastwood motionless as Lapslie too made it two goals in two games and the points and the win were secured.
The Gills revival continues apace – that’s now sixteen points out of a possible twenty one – as just three Gills played in this game who started the win at Priestfield on opening day – Morris, Max Ehmer and Shaun Williams.
With games next at “Fortress Priestfield” against AFC Wimbledon and Bradford City, the march towards Football League safety appears to be on the right track and heading in the right direction.
ROCHDALE – O’Donnell (Eastwood 43), Mullarkey, Ebanks-Landell (Kelly 59) Bennett, Lloyd (Rodney 59), Diagouraga, Keohane (Seriki 59), Dodgson, Henderson, Quigley (Mellor 79), Odoh.
Subs not used – Taylor, Campbell.
Booked: Keohane (47), Ebanks-Landell (50).
GILLINGHAM – Morris, Alexander, Ehmer, Masterson, McKenzie, Williams, Dieng, Jefferies (Tutonda 80), Lapslie (MacDonald 88), O’Brien (Nichols 64), Hawkins.
Subs not used – Turner, Wright, Gbode, Abrahams.
Goals: Hawkins (23), Lapslie (75).
REFEREE – Mr Marc Edwards
Attendance: 2,742
Image Courtesy of Gillingham FC