Gillingham claimed their first home league victory in three months by thrashing Bristol Rovers at Priestfield.

Following Joe Partington’s foul on former Bristol City midfielder Scott Wagstaff, Mark Byrne saw his penalty saved by Rovers goalkeeper Adam Smith but tapped home the rebound to open the scoring for the Gills.

Defender Alex Lacey doubled the hosts’ advantage eight minutes before half-time, capping a surging forward run with a curled finish from 15 yards.

Josh Parker capitalised on dreadful Rovers defending to poke home his side’s third 90 seconds after the break.

Byrne sealed their victory with his second after 53 minutes with the goal of the game, hitting a first-time volley into the top corner from Lee Martin’s corner.

However, the Irish midfielder missed the chance to score his first career hat-trick in the 65th minute, shooting wide from the penalty spot following Smith’s clumsy foul on Wagstaff.

Liam Sercombe scored a stoppage-time consolation for Rovers, curling into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.

The victory sees Steve Lovell’s side climb to 19th place in League One, two points clear of the relegation zone.

They now switch their attention to Tuesday night’s FA Cup Second Round replay at Carlisle United before heading to Fleetwood in the league on Friday evening.

 

Gillingham line up: Holy, O’Neill, Nugent, Ehmer, Lacey (Garmston 75), Wagstaff, Byrne, Clare (Hessenthaler 69), Martin (Wilkinson 77), Eaves, Parker.

Subs not used: Nelson, Zakuani, List, Cundle.

Goals: Byrne (28), (53), Lacey (37), Parker (47).

Booked: Martin (67), Ehmer (94).

Bristol Rovers line up: Smith, Leadbitter, Brown, Lockyer, Sweeney, Sercombe, Harrison, Bodin, Partington (Broom 75), Sinclair (Clarke 62), Gaffney (Nichols 67).

Subs not used: Slocombe, Broadbent, Telford, Bola.

Goal: Sercombe (90+1).

Booked: Smith (65).

Referee: Mr Antony Coggins

Attendance: 4,227 (309 Bristol Rovers)