Gillingham put in a spirited performance against league leaders Lincoln City on Friday night, but came out second best in front of the Sky cameras.
The Imps returned to winning ways and ended Gillingham’s four-match unbeaten run thanks to goals from Conor McGrandles, Jorge Grant and Tom Hopper.
McGrandles pounced on a loose ball inside the area after Brennan Johnson’s back heel for the first-half opener.
Grant then converted a penalty just before the hour before Hopper headed in from close range.
Gillingham came closest to reducing the deficit shortly after Hopper’s goal when Kyle Dempsey had a right-foot drive stopped by Alex Palmer and John Akinde headed against the crossbar.
Michael Appleton’s side were unlucky not to add to their three goals as Johnson also struck the crossbar shortly before their second goal, while Hopper was denied a second of the evening in stoppage time when he was adjudged offside.
Gillingham endured a tough examination as Connor Ogilvie needed lengthy treatment for a cut to his head early in the second half after colliding with Hopper.
Manager Steve Evans was also booked in the latter stages for his protests towards referee Samuel Barrott.
The defeat sees The Gills end the game 13th place in League One and still just six points outside the play-off places.
They now have just over a week to prepare for their next game as they head to The Valley to face local rivals Charlton Athletic on Saturday 13th.
Gillingham: Bonham, Jackson, Tucker, Cundy, Ogilvie, Dempsey (O’Keefe 90), Slattery (Morton 90), MacDonald (O’Connor 67), Lee (Akinde 67), Graham, Oliver.
Unused Subs: Bastien, McKenzie, Johnson.
Booked: Slattery (40), Oliver (41), Akinde (78), Ogilvie (99).
Lincoln: Palmer, Eyoma (Poole 74), Jackson, Walsh, Edun, Bridcutt, Grant, McGrandles, Johnson (Anderson 79), Rogers, Hopper.
Unused Subs: Long, Montsma, Jones, Scully, Bramall.
Goals: McGrandles (14), (64), Grant (pen 59).
Booked: Grant (43), Bridcutt (76).
Referee: Mr S Barrott
Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.