Rochdale 0 Gillingham 2: Oli Hawkins and George Lapslie score as the Gills win League 2 clash at the Crown Oli Arena

Gillingham’s survival hopes in League 2 received another boost as their good form continued at troubled Rochdale.

Oli Hawkins put the Gills deservedly ahead in the opening half at Spotland - against a side sitting bottom of the table - and although Dale improved after the break and hit the woodwork through Toby Mullarkey a goal from George Lapslie doubled the lead.

It’s now five wins from seven for the Gills as they move further away from the bottom two.

Gills manager Neil Harris had the luxury of being able to rotate some of his players at the weekend, bringing in experienced forward Aiden O’Brien for his first start as a replacement Tom Nichols in the eleven.

Shaun Williams was back in midfield to captain the side, after a minor injury, and there was a switch in defence as Cheye Alexander was preferred over David Tutonda. On paper, the changes arguably strengthened the Gills.

Bottom side Rochdale - boasting just one win in their last six games - were up against a Gills side sitting top of the form table.

The Gills had a number of good chances in the first 45 minutes as Hawkins and O’Brien kept the home defence on their toes.

Dale goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell saved with his feet to deny Dom Jefferies and only a last-ditch challenge from Ethan Ebanks-Landell stopped George Lapslie from scoring.

Williams fired wide from distance for the Gills and Scott Quigley did likewise for the hosts before the deadlock was broken.

A throw-in from Robbie McKenzie was played back to him and from his cross, Hawkins was handily placed when the ball dropped to his feet from a defensive header.

Rochdale had a couple of half chances but were booed off at the break by the home crowd, with cries of “useless” coming from the home section. Gills