Gillingham 1 Crewe Alexandra 0: Danny Lloyd penalty enough for victory in Neil Harris’ first match as manager at Priestfield

Gillingham claimed a first league win in 15 games to boost their survival hopes in League 1.

Danny Lloyd converted a first half penalty for Gillingham against fellow strugglers Crewe and Vadaine Oliver struck the woodwork. One goal was enough to make it a winning start for new boss Neil Harris.

It was a nervy second half for the Gills as Crewe upped their game after the break but they hung on for a much-needed victory.

Harris switched the keepers for his first game in charge, bringing in Aaron Chapman to replace Pontus Dahlberg following the heavy weekend defeat.

QPR loan defender Conor Masterson was handed his debut as part of a three-man central defensive until as the new manager started with wing-backs.

It was a set-up that brought joy for the Gills as they dominated the opening half, only tainted at the end of the 45 with an injury to the lively-looking Mustapha Carayol.

Danny Lloyd had an early shot saved and Carayol also went close with a low drive towards the bottom corner.

Gillingham took a 17th minute lead from the penalty spot. Having conceded four penalties at the weekend it was a welcome sight to see Gillingham score one. Lloyd converted after Oli Finney had been penalised for handling a shot from Stuart O’Keefe.

The Gills might have had another later in the half as Jack Tucker met a corner at the back post and was denied by a block from an arm.

Gillingham had the better of the half but had just the 1-0 lead as the teams went off following an extra 10 minute delay to deal with Carayol’s injury. The Gills player later returned without the need for a hospital visit, having apparently suffered a head and leg injury.

Crewe had picked up an injury of their own with former Gills striker Mikael Mandron going off