Gillingham threw away a lead at Swindon Town to succumb to another defeat that sees them looking back into the relegation zone.

Cody McDonald’s 10th-minute strike had threatened to derail the recent improvement from Luke Williams’ men, who had taken four points from their previous two games against relegation rivals Oldham and Coventry.

But Rohan Ince’s first goal for the club, followed by a second in two games from Jonathan Obika and Raphael Rossi Branco’s bullet header handed Town back to back wins for the first time this season, leaving them three points from safety in the League One drop zone, whilst The Gills drop to 19th place in League One and just three points above their rivals.

The Gills got off to the ideal start as the wind swirled around the County Ground, McDonald putting the visitors ahead when he dispossessed the Brazilian defender, who made a slow start on his return.

The striker advanced on goal before slotting past a stranded Lawrence Vigouroux.

From here Town were in danger of falling further behind as Gillingham grew in confidence but after some panic-stricken defending, Williams’ side were able to regroup.

The home team had to wait until the half-hour mark to get their first clear chance at goal.

A looping ball from Charlie Colkett found the head of Ajose, but the Charlton loanee was unable to beat Stuart Nelson with his header.

The ball then flew into the air towards an incoming Obika who was denied by some acrobatic defending from Gillingham’s Ryan Jackson.

In the remainder of the opening 45 minutes Swindon looked far more dominant with plenty of opportunities, but lacked conviction in the final third.

Despite their best efforts, they were unable to draw level as they went into the break a goal down.

The second half got off to a pedestrian start as the visitors looked to consolidate their advantage, but Swindon crept into the game three minutes in when Ince did well to pass the ball onto James Brophy.

The winger had plenty of space and beat his man well down the right. He then cut onto his stronger left-foot before planting a well-hit shot firmly into Nelson’s arms.

Shortly after, Colkett was well found by Ajose on the half-turn and the Chelsea youngster returned the favour and find Ajose but he, Obika and Gladwin all fluffed their lines as the hosts continued to search for a leveller.

The wait was finally over after threatening in the opening exchanges of the half when Ince proved the saviour for Town, as he popped up to scramble the ball into the net in the 56th minute.

Colkett’s corner was initially met by Branco, who bundled the ball towards Ince before it trickled into the corner of the net.

Four minutes later it was utter jubilation at the County Ground as Obika put Swindon ahead for the first time.

The striker linked up yet again with Ajose before bearing down on the opposition penalty area and unleashing a fierce shot past Nelson to put Town in the driving seat.

After taking the lead Swindon looked a little frantic as the visitors tried to find a way back into the game, but a stand-out performance from Ince saw they kept a foot in the game.

With just over 20 minutes left to play, Gladwin found himself in some space down the right. From there he floated a ball just over the head of Ajose who managed to get a nick on the cross.

Substitute John Goddard, on for James Brophy, was on hand to offer support and, after taking the ball down well, his effort was palmed out for a corner.

Just when the home fans began to feel a little bit anxious, their concerns were allayed as Rossi Branco headed home in the 74th minute from a corner to put Town two goals clear.

It was Colkett’s second assist of the game as his corner found the head of the Brazilian defender, who thumped Town further ahead. In the final 15 minutes Swindon did just about enough to shut out the visitors, Luke Norris did well to nod fellow substitute Anton Rodgers’ ball into the path of Gladwin who could only shoot wide of the mark.

Gillingham’s captain Max Ehmer epitomised his team’s frustration as he was forced to shoot from distance, although his well-struck effort did force a save from Vigouroux late on.

As the game drew to a close the home side were oozing confidence, whilst The Gills left the pitch frustrated.

Ady Pennock will now have to pick his players up once again ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bury who sit one place above The Gills in what could only be described as a six pointer.

 

Swindon Town line up: Vigouroux, Barry, Thompson, Rossi-Branco, Ormonde-Ottewill, Brophy (Goddard 58), Ince, Colkett (Rodgers 83), Gladwin, Obika (Obika 76), Ajose.

Subs not used: Henry, Conroy, Thomas, Stewart.

Goals: Ince (56), Obika (61), Branco (75).

Gillingham line up: Nelson, Jackson, Ehmer, Rehman, Wagstaff, Osadebe (Hessenthaler 71), Wright, Martin (List 65), McDonald, Quigley (Muldoon 65), Parker.

Subs not used: Holy, Dickenson, Simpson, Mbo.

Goal: McDonald (10).

Booked: Wagstaff (94).

Referee: Mr Roger East

Attendance: 6,133