Logan Dobbs scored his first EFL league goal to set Gillingham on course for a 2-0 home win over Tranmere Rovers. Ronan Hale added a late second to seal a victory that lifts the club to 11th in the League Two standings on nine points.
Dobbs broke the deadlock in the 68th minute, finishing a move started by Ronan Chapman Hale. Twelve minutes later, Hale got his own name on the scoresheet, converting an assist from substitute Garath McCleary. The result extends Gillingham's unbeaten run to five matches, with a recent form of two wins and three draws.
Gareth Ainsworth made two changes to the side that won at Rochdale the previous week. Robbie McKenzie returned to the starting lineup, while Eli King was handed his first start after an impressive debut from the bench. Zech Obiero and Will Goodwin were absent after going off injured in the first half of that game.
Early chances at Priestfield
Tranmere started brightly, with Nick Freeman forcing visiting goalkeeper Luke McGee into action inside the opening moments. James Brophy then made a vital goal-line clearance in the sixth minute to deny Ollie Wright after a low cross from Joel Senior. Dylan Jones also tested the Gills defence with a shot that Brophy cleared.
The hosts grew into the game and Omar Beckles came close to scoring in the 38th minute. His powerful header from a Brophy free-kick was pushed around the post by McGee. Sam Finley had a good chance for Tranmere on the stroke of half-time but sent his shot wide.
Second-half breakthrough
McKenzie curled a shot wide early in the second period before an injury to Harry Waldock prompted Ainsworth's first change, bringing on McCleary. The substitute soon forced a save from McGee. Hale then lofted an effort onto the roof of the Tranmere net.
The pressure told when Dobbs found the net for his historic goal. After Hale doubled the lead, he went down and required treatment before being replaced by Lamin Sillah. Dobbs also made way for Jack Daley. Tranmere's Zane Okoro nearly pulled one back late on but shot wide.
Ainsworth made two more changes in added time, introducing Michael Luxton and Sheldon Kendall. The manager told the club's media team he was pleased with the application. "The lads executed the plan and got their rewards," he said.
The win keeps Gillingham within three points of the league leaders, Barnet. They have scored eight goals and conceded six across their opening six fixtures. Next up is a trip to face Chesterfield on Saturday, 19 September.
