Steve Lovell’s first game in permanent charge of Gillingham ended with three crucial points at Walsall.

Conor Wilkinson’s goal on the stroke of half-time lifted the Gills out of the relegation zone as they ground out victory despite the 72nd-minute dismissal of Max Ehmer.

Walsall went close after 12 minutes as Kieron Morris flicked his boot at Erhun Oztumer’s near-post corner but was denied by Gills keeper Tomas Holy’s outstretched leg.

Gillingham went ahead against the run of play after 44 minutes as Walsall defender Liam Kinsella’s poor touch allowed Wilkinson to nip in and poke home.

Walsall came out strongly after the break but Holy made a superb flying save to tip over Amadou Bakayoko’s fierce shot in the 56th minute.

Ehmer – booked in first-half stoppage time for a foul on Morris – saw a second yellow for hacking down Walsall sub Dan Agyei 18 minutes from time.

But the 10 men comfortably held out to move the Gills out of the drop zone and leave Walsall just one point above the relegation places.

For Steve Lovell’s side, they climb to 20th place in League One, but crucially they now start looking up the table instead of down.

Lovell will now take his side to 12th place Blackpool on Tuesday night, full of confidence and looking for another away win.

 

Walsall line up: L Roberts, Leahy, Guthrie, K Roberts, Kinsella, Morris (Flanagan 60), Chambers, Edwards (T. Roberts 60), Ismail, Oztumer, Bakayoko (Agyei 70).

Subs not used: Gillespie, Devlin, Kouyhar, Donnellan.

Gillingham: Holy, O’Neill (Nugent 87), Ehmer, Zakuani, Hessenthaler, Eaves (Byrne 60), Wilkinson (Wagstaff 81), Martin, Ogilvie, Parker, Clare.

Subs not used: Nelson, Nugent, Oldaker, List, Cundle.

Goal: Wilkinson (44).

Booked: Ehmer (45+1), Eaves (55), Martin (69).

Sent Off: Ehmer (72).

Referee: Mr Andy Haines

Attendance: 4,917 (355 Gills).