Gillingham’s survival hopes in League 2 received another boost as their good form continued at troubled Rochdale. Oli Hawkins put the Gills deservedly ahead in the opening half at Spotland - against a side sitting bottom of the table - and although Dale improved after the break and hit the woodwork through Toby Mullarkey a goal from George Lapslie doubled the lead.
It’s now five wins from seven for the Gills as they move further away from the bottom two. Gills manager Neil Harris had the luxury of being able to rotate some of his players at the weekend, bringing in experienced forward Aiden O’Brien for his first start as a replacement Tom Nichols in the eleven.
Shaun Williams was back in midfield to captain the side, after a minor injury, and there was a switch in defence as Cheye Alexander was preferred over David Tutonda.
On paper, the changes arguably strengthened the Gills. Bottom side Rochdale - boasting just one win in their last six games - were up against a Gills side sitting top of the form table.