Gillingham 2 Morecambe 1: George Lapslie and Connor Mahoney on target in League 2 match at Priestfield; Michael Mellon scores and is sent off for visitors

Gillingham returned to the top of the table after making it back-to-back wins at home in League 2.

The Gills were 2-1 up against Morecambe at the end of an exciting first half that had seen George Lapslie score one and help create another for Connor Mahoney, either side of a goal for Morecambe.

Michael Mellon scored for the visitors in the first half but was sent off for a second bookable offence in the second.

Manager Neil Harris had made just one change to the Gills team which started the previous week against Harrogate, as Ethan Coleman came straight in after suspension to replace Robbie McKenzie.

Gillingham were seeking a win to reinstate their place at the League 2 summit, having been replaced on Friday night by Notts County, after their win at Salford.

The returning Coleman certainly made an impact, with an assist for both goals in the opening half.

It was a lively first 45 minutes, the Gills showing some class in the attacking third but at the same time allowing Morecambe space to exploit.

Morecambe striker Michael Mellon scored once and also hit the bar during a good first half for him. The second half wasn’t so good.

It was the Gills who struck first, in the 10th minute, after an impressive start. Coleman met Mahoney’s deep corner and played it back into the centre where Lapslie was on hand to finish from close range.

Gillingham conceded almost immediately as Mellon raced onto a ball over the defence, the linesman deemed him onside and he finished well over keeper Jake Turner.

The Gills looked to hit back again, with Mahoney denied by the visiting stopper and a delightful ball in from Jonny Williams almost creating another for Lapslie, running into space but unable to flick the ball past the keeper.

It was a