Doncaster Rovers 0 Gillingham 1: QPR loan man Charlie Kelman headed Gills infront early on at the Eco-Power Stadium

Gillingham clinched a crucial win at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday with the only goal of the game coming in the first minute.

Charlie Kelman’s opener was timed at 59 seconds, giving the Gills the edge in their big match at Doncaster. The game was massive for both teams, with time running out on their hopes for survival. The Gills started the weekend game a point better off than their hosts - three from safety. Only goal difference now separates them.

There was an enforced change in goal for the Gills as former Doncaster loan keeper Pontus Dahlberg replaced Aaron Chapman, who had picked up a muscle strain. More injuries were picked up at Doncaster.

The Gills were light in numbers again, with youth player Josh Chambers named among the six substitutes and introduced late on. Ben Reeves and Mustapha Carayol were missing injured while Daniel Phillips started a three-game ban.

Striker Kelman was back in the starting line-up and within a minute he had scored to put the Gills infront. Ryan Jackson’s long throw was allowed to bounce inside the box and Kelman got the last touch at the far post. It was a first goal in 19 appearances for the Gills.

Doncaster had more of the ball in the opening half but were often wasteful. Josh Martin had a couple of shots from outside the box that were blocked as the Gills stayed resolute in defence. Dahlberg wasn’t overly troubled.

Jackson had a shot straight at home keeper Jonathan Mitchell but his afternoon lasted less than half an hour. It had been a productive 27 minutes but what looked like a hamstring strain led to him being added to the injury list.

Olly Lee - who was also back in the Gills eleven - blasted a chance narrowly wide while Doncaster continued to put efforts well off the mark.