Gillingham 2 Tranmere Rovers 1: League 2 match report from Priestfield Stadium

Two goals from recent signing Ronan Hale led Gillingham to a win at Priestfield against Tranmere.

Hale volleyed in the opener on his first home start for Gillingham, and doubled their lead in the second half, before Charlie Whitaker got one back for the visitors to ensure it was a tense finish.

Defeats to leading sides Bromley and Notts County had been a setback for the Gills in their late attempt to still make something of this season.

Tranmere had lost their previous five ahead of their visit to Priestfield - seemingly an ideal side to get things back on track after those losses.

Gillingham’s improved late performance in the week against Notts County led manager Gareth Ainsworth to name many of the subs who made an impact.

It was an experienced line-up on show too, with keeper Glenn Morris (42) joined in the side by Garath McCleary (38) and Sam Vokes (36) - in for Josh Andrews.

Dack - now 32 - had made a big difference off the bench in the week and he added even more knowhow to a team which also had 34-year-old Omar Beckles making his first home appearance since signing.

Four changes to the midweek team saw Robbie McKenzie relegated to the bench.

Sam Gale, who had been playing in an unfamiliar right-back role, was also left out, replaced in the XI by Remeao Hutton. The manager chose to partner loan defender Travis Akomeah alongside home debutant Omar Beckles in the middle of the back four.

Gillingham dominated the first 25 minutes with chances galore and the pressure finally paid off when Hale scored the opener, turning to volley home.

Armani Little headed the ball towards the Gills striker, who netted his first for the club in stylish fashion, while many in the crowd expected to see a flag go up for offside.

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