Gillingham slipped into the bottom four of League One as a wonderful strike from Ivan Toney helped Peterborough United to victory at Priestfield.

Toney, on his first league start of the campaign, put his side back ahead after the hosts had fought back from a goal down to take the lead during a thrilling start to the second half.

Callum Cooke made the game safe with three minutes left as Posh took advantage of Portsmouth’s slip at home to Wycombe.

Gillingham goalkeeper Tomas Holy had made a trio of excellent saves in the opening minutes, denying Matt Godden, Marcus Maddison and Jason Naismith.

But Peterborough found a way through when Naismith’s terrific low cross was slid in by Jamie Walker.

Gillingham came out flying in the second half and Callum Reilly’s half-volley levelled matters.

Mark Byrne’s venomous low strike moments later beat Aaron Chapman to give the hosts the lead.

But Siriki Dembele equalised after collecting Maddison’s pass, and he then set up Toney, who curled a magnificent finish into the top corner.

Posh settled the match with substitute Cooke calmly finishing off a sweeping counter-attack.

The defeat sees Steve Lovell’s side drop into the bottom four and with the pitch at Priestfield to be ripped up and replaced on Monday, they will head to Shrewsbury Town next Saturday for their league fixture, but the game at home to Blackpool 72 hours later will now have to be rescheduled.

 

Gillingham line up: Holy, Fuller, Ogilvie, Ehmer, Zakuani, Reilly (Rees 66), Parrett, Byrne, Charles-Cook (Eaves 49), Hanlan (Wilkinson 83), Parker.

Subs not used: Hadler, O’Neill, Garmston, Lacey.

Goals: Reilly (50), Byrne (53).

Booked: Charles-Cook (16), Byrne (44), Reilly (55), Fuller (76).

Peterborough United line up: Chapman, Naismith, Daniel, Woodyard, Tafazolli (Yorewerth H/T), Walker (O’Hara 73), Godden (Cooke 82), Dembele, Bennett, Toney, Maddison.

Subs not used: Tyler, Reed, Ward, Cummings.

Goals: Walker (24), Dembele (59), Toney (64), Cooke (87).

Booked: Dembele (45+5), Walker (47).

Referee: Mr Lee Swabey

Attendance: Not Given (478 Peterborough).