Goals from top scorer Vadaine Oliver and a first for the club from Ben Thompson gave Gillingham an incredibly important three points as Lincoln City were dragged kicking and screaming into the dog fight that is forming in the League One relegation zone.
Oliver’s header and Thompson’s stoppage time pile driver secured the Gills their first road win since winning by the same score at Cambridge way back at the end of September and courtesy of results elsewhere – notably AFC Wimbledon’s 2-2 draw with Doncaster – lifted Neil Harris’ side literally to within touching distance of 20th place, and hauled them to within five points of their hosts who have now lost three in a row and like Fleetwood and AFC are now more than a little anxiously looking over their shoulders.
The returning Danny Phillips almost created the golden start for Gillingham as he burst forward but despite Thompson beating Lincoln keeper Josh Griffiths, an Imps defender managed to scramble the ball off the line. Robbie McKenzie was denied by a combination of Griffiths and the frame of the goal as the visitors continued to take the game to their hosts.
Lincoln’s best chance of the first half fell to Anthony Scully but he was magnificently denied by Jack Tucker and the side were deadlocked and goal-less at the break in a game that in all honesty neither dare lose!
Aaron Chapman showed the best and worse of his repertoire ten minutes after the break and had the travelling support cheering seconds after their hearts were in their mouths. Chris Maguire let fly from distance forcing the Gills keeper into a great save. Unfortunately for the keeper the ball squirmed away from his grasp and seemed to be rolling into the net, but Chapman recovered to keep the ball out.
It proved crucial as into the final quarter of an hour the Gills netted arguably the two most important goals they have scored in a long time.
Thompson provided the first, but Oliver still had a lot to do as he did superbly to meet the new man’s cross. The big striker timed his jump and run brilliantly to beat two defenders and Griffiths to the ball to power home and send the 362 travelling fans wild!
And, just for a change in this horrible season, the travellers were rewarded with a second in stoppage time as Oliver turned provider, flicking on a long ball for Thompson to magnificently drill the ball into the bottom corner.
So just when they needed it, Gillingham went to an away venue where they have now lost just once in their last eight trips since the early 1990s, and more importantly, courtesy of just the second away win – and incredibly the first on a Saturday – of this troubled season, Neil Harris’ side now go into the last two months of the season almost unbelievably just three points from safety!
LINCOLN CITY – Griffiths, Poole, Norton-Cuffy, Walsh, Bramall, Maguire, Scully (Cullen 87), McGrandles, Bishop (Sanders 57), Marquis, Hopper (Whittaker 70).
Subs not used – Wright, Fiorini, Sorenson, Eyoma.
Booked: Bishop (43), Walsh (94).
GILLINGHAM – Chapman, Tucker, Ehmer, Masterson, Jackson, McKenzie, Lee (Reeves 69), O’Keefe, Thompson, Phillips, Oliver.
Subs not used – Dahlberg, Maghoma, Tutonda, Carayol, Dickson-Peters, Kelman.
Goals: Oliver (75), Thompson (91).
Booked: Lee (11), Jackson (74), Masterson (85), Reeves (86).
REFEREE – Mr Ross Joyce
Attendance: 8,208 (362 Gills).
Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.