Neil Harris may just dare to dream as Gillingham did their survival hopes no harm at all with a late winner against Cambridge United at Priestfield on Tuesday night.
As the clock wound down, Vadaine Oliver stepped up to poke home from a corner that sent the Rainham End into raptures after 86 minutes and with it came three precious points that could go a long way towards helping the side avoid relegation.
The two teams cancelled each other out in a first half during which chances were at a premium.
Ben Thompson, on his home debut for the Gills, headed straight at Dimitar Mitov before an excellent Jack Tucker block prevented Adam May from firing the visitors in front.
Cambridge, who have not won at Gillingham in the league since September 1972, should have gone ahead in the 65th minute but Sam Smith headed over from George Williams’ pinpoint delivery.
David Tutonda and former U’s loanee Conor Masterson had speculative efforts from distance blocked, before Thompson almost caught Mitov napping with a swerving drive that the Cambridge goalkeeper had to bat away.
Leading scorer Oliver scored the hosts’ winner when he converted from close range four minutes from time, giving new manager Neil Harris his second win in three games in charge of the Kent club.
The win propels Gillingham up one place to 22nd in League One, but with other results going their way, they are now crucially just five points off safety now.
Going to Morecambe at the weekend, Harris and co will be daring to dream. Could they?
Gillingham line up: Chapman, Tucker, Ehmer, Masterson, McKenzie, Tutonda (Jackson 75), O’Keefe, Thompson, Lee, Kelman (Dickson-Peters 63), Oliver (Phillips 90).
Subs not used: Dahlberg, Maghoma, Lintott, Chambers.
Goal: Oliver (86).
Cambridge United line up: Mitov, Williams, Okedina, Sherring, Dunk, Digby, O’Neil (Lankester 64), Knibbs (Tolaj 72), May, Brophy, Smith.
Subs not used: Mannion, Worman, Bennett.
Referee: Mr James Bell
Attendance: 3823 (426 Cambridge United)
Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.