Gillingham knocked Notts County off top spot in League 2 after a terrific effort at Meadow Lane – and a 1-0 win.
A top save from Glenn Morris and the woodwork kept Notts out before Elliot Nevitt put the Gills ahead shortly before the break.
Both teams had appeals for a penalty waved off by the referee in the second half but one goal was enough for the Gills as Notts couldn’t find a breakthrough, a late effort ruled out by the linesman’s flag.
With six games played ahead of the weekend, this was an early top-of-the-table clash. Notts went into the game leading the way in the division with the only unbeaten record, just one place above the Gills.
Robbie McKenzie made a timely return from injury to replace suspended Ethan Coleman as the one enforced change.
Manager Mark Bonner also opted for a change on the wing. Jayden Clarke – fresh from his two goals the week before – replaced Jack Nolan.
League 2’s top scorers Notts County were always going to be a threat on home turf and they had plenty of chances in the first half, but it wasn’t one-way traffic.
Gills looked to pick out the runs of Nevitt in behind the home defence several times early on – but it was later in the half when they made it count.
Prior to that the Gills rode their luck on a few occasions.
Clarke went close for the visitors, charging down the flank before cutting in and seeing his curling effort saved and Joe Gbode’s follow-up claimed by keeper Alex Bas.
For Notts, Nick Tsaroulla volleyed one good chance over the bar and smashed another against the woodwork, his second opportunity coming after Morris saved at full stretch to deny the ever-dangerous Jodi Jones.
Max Clark had the job of trying to keep Jones quiet, and was treading a tightrope after picking up an early booking.
George Abbott also scuffed a decent opportunity wide for the hosts while Gills defender Shad Ogie had his heart in his mouth when he blocked a cross and watched as the ball looped narrowly over his own crossbar.
Notts had been wasteful and the Gills made them pay when Nevitt struck in the 38th minute.
It was Remeao Hutton’s ball that unlocked the home defence, perfectly weighted to meet the run of Nevitt, the striker staying calm under pressure before slotting home past Bass for the opening goal.
County had lots of the ball at the start of the second half but the Gills were doing a good job of keeping them at arm’s reach.
Gillingham were taking their time from restarts of play, further irritating the hosts.
Armani Little put a shot over the bar for the Gills after good work from Clarke.
Gillingham switched their wingers with 25 minutes left, knowing they would need fresh energy on the counter attack in the closing stages. Clarke and Gbode were replaced by Nolan and Jacob Wakeling.
Notts forward David McGoldrick would have been happy to see the flag go up after getting on the end of a Dan Crowley ball, screwing the shot wide when well placed with only Morris to beat.
Referee Lee Swabey had a big call to make when it looked like a Notts player had handled in the box but he waved play on, as many of Gills’ coaching staff looked on in disbelief.
Mr Swabey appeared to even it up soon after when a trip from Ogie on Jevani Brown inside the box went without punishment.
Morris came to the Gills’ rescue again with a great reflex save from Jones after he found space in the box.
With four minutes of normal time left Notts thought they had levelled. Jones’ ball into the box was turned in by Sam Austin but the flag was raised, seemingly for offside.
Desperate defending at the death kept out Jacob Bedeau’s shot as Notts were beaten.
Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Clark, Ogie, Ehmer, Little, McKenzie (Hawkins 89mins), Gbode (Nolan 65mins), Clarke (Wakeling 65mins), Lapslie (J Williams 79mins), Nevitt (Wyllie 79mins). Subs not used: Ashby-Hammond, E Williams.
Notts County: Bass, Macari, Bedeau, Platt, Tsaroulla (Brown 58mins), Palmer (Austin 75mins), Abbott, Crowley, Jones (Cundy 94mins), Grant (Gordon 75mins), McGoldrick. Subs not used: Slocombe, Hinchy, Chicksen.
Referee: Lee Swabey
Attendance: 11,477 (994 away)
