Gillingham got their new year off to a winning start after beating troubled Colchester. The Gills twice hit the woodwork during a terrific start to the second half at lowly Colchester either side of Scott Malone’s strike, the only goal of the game.
Home keeper Owen Goodman pulled off several good saves to ensure the Gills were unable to add to their tally. Malone was rewarded for his match winner on the Friday with a place back in the eleven and he made it two goals in two and four for the season with his goal.
Connor Mahoney was also returned into the XI after an impressive performance off the bench, replacing injured Jonny Williams last time out.
Former Gills striker John Akinde was back in the starting line-up for a Colchester team facing a relegation battle this term.