Gillingham 2 Hartlepool United 0: Debutant Tom Nichols scored the opener at Priestfield and made an assist for Dom Jefferies to win League 2 match

Gillingham clinched a crucial three points against fellow strugglers Hartlepool with a much-improved performance at Priestfield.

The Gills looked much brighter upfront - helped by three attacking additions - and impressive debutant Tom Nichols put the home side infront before playing Dom Jefferies in for the second.

Man-of-the-match Nichols was one of four new signings who started for Gillingham and a fifth - Mansfield midfielder George Lapslie - was presented to the home fans ahead of kick off and completing his move.

The game with Hartlepool was huge. The visitors sat five points infront of the Gills, who started the day bottom of League 2. With new signings in the team, this was the start of the survival bid.

There was certainly a feel-good factor around Priestfield on Saturday and there were early chances for Max Ehmer - with a low shot saved - and Dom Jefferies - denied as the visiting defence scrambled the ball clear. Robbie McKenzie was cursing his decision to pass rather than shoot as things opened up for him.

While manager Neil Harris had kept faith with his regular defenders, there was a fresh look in attack as newcomers got their chances. Timothee Dieng played in behind big Oli Hawkins and the lively Nichols. Glenn Morris returned in goal after sealing a permanent switch the club.

Nichols’ running was creating problems for Hartlepool early on. He got in on goal with a deft header that took him past two defenders before shooting narrowly wide.

Alex MacDonald appeared to be thriving off having quality around him, picking Nichols out with a couple of weighted passes and also slipping in Hawkins, with the striker firing over under pressure.

It was an excellent free-kick that led to Gills’ 40th minute opener,