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.
Visiting keeper Marko Marosi made decent blocks to deny Garath McCleary and Ethan Coleman early on in the game.
The pressure continued on the Tranmere goal as McCleary bent a shot wide and Vokes fired over. Chances kept coming and Vokes’ attempted lob landed on the roof of the net.
Gillingham got the goal they deserved and it was only once they had gone ahead that visitors Tranmere started to look a threat themselves.
Sam Finley shot wide and Joe Ironside came an inch away from converting a low ball in from Charlie Whitaker.
Gillingham reached the halfway point a goal ahead but it was almost 2-0 just before the break when Dack picked out Vokes with a pass and the striker rolled a shot just wide.
Gills keeper Glenn Morris had to make a good save early in the second half to keep out Zech Obiero, and from the corner, Stephan Negru headed wide.
McCleary fired wide for the Gills after an effort from Hale, after a positive run into the box, was blocked.
Obiero went close for the visitors again with a shot he bent narrowly wide – another warning for the Gills as they sat on their slender lead.
Nathan Smith also hooked a shot wide, Omari Patrick wasn’t far off from distance and Morris had to hold onto an effort from Whitaker.
Gillingham’s nerves were settled on 65 minutes when Clark’s corner was met by Hale, lurking in the middle of a packed box, and he headed home.
Tranmere got themselves back into the game with 78 minutes played, Whitaker bending in a shot beyond the reach of Morris from the edge of the box.
That goal made for a nervy finish, and a shot from Cameron Norman was almost turned into his own net by Gills defender Remeao Hutton.
Six minutes were added on at the end of the 90, and there were some anxious moments for the home fans, but the Gills managed to see it out and take the points.
Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Clark, Beckles, Akomeah, Coleman, Little, McCleary (Gale 63mins), Dack (McKenzie 63mins), Vokes (Andrews 63mins), Hale (Palmer-Houlden 80mins). Subs not used: Turner, A Smith, Antwi.
Tranmere: Marosi, Brough, Smith, Whitaker, Finley, Patrick, Warrington, Plant (Norman 72mins), Negru (Lowe 81mins), Ironside (Dennis 74mins), Obiero (Dickov 72mins). Subs not used: Barrett, McGowan, Kenneh.
Referee: Craig Hicks
Attendance: 5,564 (244 away)
