Aiden O’Brien’s first goal for Gillingham clinched his side the points against Crewe at Priestfield. A poor defensive clearance gifted the Gills an opening goal scored by Tom Nichols but Callum Ainley levelled soon after for Crewe.
O’Brien put the home side back ahead and his 70th minute goal won the game. Manager Neil Harris was sent off late on for dissent after Oli Hawkins had a goal disallowed.
Victory for Gills leaves them 10 points clear of the League 2 drop zone. Gillingham manager Neil Harris made a trio of changes to his starting eleven, bringing Robbie McKenzie, Alex MacDonald and Dom Jefferies back in at the expense of David Tutonda, O’Brien and George Lapslie.
The Gills were up against a side with big issues on their travels, without an away win in four months and missing three of their weekend starters on international duty.