Ten man Gillingham showed why they could be title contenders to battle for three precious points at Priestfield in front of a decent crowd.

Robbie McKenzie stole in at the far post to head home a free kick in front of the Rainham End in what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

Both sides were to end the game with ten men as Gills skipper Max Ehmer picked up two quick yellow cards, but Mark Bonner’s side held on for the win that keeps them top of League Two after four games.

Three wins and a draw from those opening four games will give Bonner and his side plenty of confidence, especially given his squad is already creaking due to the number of injuries.

One of those on the injured list is goalkeeper Jake Turner with Glenn Morris handed a start and the veteran shot stopper was on fine form, but on another day, Chesterfield will feel they should have got something from the game as former Gill, Darren Oldaker, his the crossbar and the post was hit twice, much to the relief of most of those inside the ground.

Before the game, there was much discussion among The Gills faithful with Bradley Dack named on the bench, the first time he has been in a Gillingham squad for seven years, however fans will have to be a little patient as to when and how much they see him on the pitch in the coming weeks as he gains fitness.

It was the perfect start for The Gills though as a precise headed effort from Robbie McKenzie after just eight minutes was enough to separate the two teams in all-action encounter.

Ironically, Chesterfield were quicker out of the traps and nearly took a fourth-minute lead, only for Darren Oldaker’s 30-yard free-kick to strike the crossbar.

Dilan Markanday had a better chance for the visitors moments later, but his powerful left-footed effort from 15 yards missed the target.

These missed opportunities proved costly when – after eight minutes – a floated free-kick from Jack Nolan towards the back post found McKenzie unmarked, who made no mistake with a precise header from six yards.

Markanday did find the net after 52 minutes for Paul Cook’s men, but the offside flag cut his celebration short.

Gills skipper Max Ehmer was dismissed on the hour for a second bookable offence and that gave the visitors a great chance to get on level terms.

But despite heavy pressure late on, when they struck the crossbar again through Tom Naylor, Chesterfield failed to produce an equaliser.

Defender Chey Dunkley was sent off himself for a second bookable offence shortly after as Mark Bonner’s side hung on for victory.

Bonner will now have the opportunity to rest a number of players and give those coming back from injury some much needed minutes, when his side entertain Peterborough United in the Football League Trophy on Tuesday night.

It’s then back to League Two action next Saturday when The Gills travel to fifth placed Doncaster Rovers.

Gillingham: Morris, Hutton, Ehmer, Ogie, Clark, McKenzie, Little, Rowe (Clarke 20), Lapslie (J. Williams 83), Nolan, Wyllie (Andrews 83).

Subs not used: Ashby-Hammond, Giles, Dack, Wakeling.

Goal: McKenzie (8).

Booked: Ogie (1), Clark (37), Ehmer (56).

Sent Off: Ehmer (60).

Chesterfield: Boot, Daley-Campbell (Jacobs 76), Naylor, Dunkley, Gordon, Banks (T. Williams 90), Oldaker, Markanday (Metcalfe 81), Dobra, Berry, Grigg (Drummond 81).

Subs not used: Thompson, Grimes, Jones.

Booked: Dunkley (93), Taylor (93), Metcalfe (96).

Sent Off: Dunkley (95).

Referee: Mr Charles Breakspear

Attendance: 6954 (330 Chesterfield)

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.