Gillingham moved further away from the League One relegation zone thanks to an 89th minute Brandon Hanlan winner at Priestfield, against Oxford United. 

Both teams knew that a win would launch them up the table and do them a world of good in terms of confidence heading into a crucial period of the season.

It was a cagey start in strong winds at Priestfield with both teams failing to create anything of note in the first half.

Connor Ogilvie struck a wayward shot into the Brian Moore Stand early on in the first half before Oxford had many chances to take the lead.

Half Time 0-0

Early on in the second half, a long ball played Brandon Hanlan through one-on-one with the keeper only to be brought down by defender Rob Dickie five minutes in to the second half.

Calls for a possible red card followed before Tom Eaves missed his third penalty of the season.

Oxford continued to push forward but many of their crosses were easily gathered by keeper Tomas Holy.

The final word, though, went to the home side after Max Ehmer, on his 200th Gills appearance, headed Callum Reilly’s deep corner back across goal for Brandon Hanlan to head in from just yards out in the 89th minute.

Gillingham were then forced to sit back during the four minutes of added time as Oxford kept on knocking on the Gills defence, but a brilliant defensive performance kept Oxford at bay.

Full Time: Gillingham 1-0 Oxford United

Gillingham: Holy, O’Neill, Ehmer, Ogilvie, Fuller, Byrne, Parrett (Reilly 72’), Da Silva Lopes (Charles Cook 61’), Burke (List 78’), Eaves, Hanlan

Subs not used: Hadler, Garmston, Campbell, Rees

Oxford United: Eastwood, Long, Dickie, Nelson, Ruffels, Sykes (Mackie 90’), Mousinho (Kashi 45’, Graham, Henry, Garbutt (Whyte 61’), Sinclair

Subs not used: Hanson, Brannagan, Browne, Stevens

Referee: Mr Ollie Yates

Attendance: 4,991

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.