Gillingham 2 Bradford City 0: New Bantams manager Jackson left to rue goals either side of the break

Adebayo Akinfenwa and Curtis Weston struck either side of the half-time break as the hosts extended their impressive unbeaten run to nine games.

Although former Huddersfield manager Jackson was disappointed with the timings of the goals, he was buoyed by aspects of his new team’s performance.

Jackson said: “I’m really disappointed with the result. Sadly, we’ve come away from home and not got what we deserved.

“We didn’t deserve that result at all, but we gave away goals on 43 and 46 minutes. Anyone knows if you’re conceding on the stroke of half-time and then right after it, you’re asking for trouble.

“But I’m pleased that the boys really dug in, they passed the ball well and they gave it a good go.

“I’m trying to get the team to express themselves more than they have been doing so far this season.”

The lethal Akinfenwa headed home his ninth goal of the season after meeting Weston’s precise cross just before the interval.

Then, barely a minute after the restart, Weston lashed in a cracker from 25 yards.

City’s best chance came midway through the first half when goalkeeper Alan Julian dived full length to keep out Kevin Ellison’s pile-driver.

Jackson had made three changes to the side from Peter Taylor’s last line-up.

Jon Worthington, his former Huddersfield captain, was restored to the line-up, while Gareth Evans and Jake Speight both earned promotion from the bench.

Gillingham: Julian, Nutter, Richards, Lawrence, Fuller, Weston (Oli 77), Maher, Payne, McDonald, Barcham (Martin 77), Akinfenwa (Rooney 82). Unused substitutes: Cronin, Jackman, Sinclair, Bentley.

Bradford City: Pidgeley, O’Brien, Oliver, Williams, Hunt, Flynn, Worthington (Adeyemi 35), Ellison (Dobie 68), Evans, Speight, Hanson. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Threlfall, Osborne, Bullock, Syers.

Referee: S Rushton (Staffs).

Man of the match: Adebayo Akinfenwa.