Gillingham 1 Rotherham United 0: Old boy Burton the difference as Millers’ automatic hopes are hurt

The experienced striker’s first- half goal proved the difference in a keenly-fought contest at a ground where the Millers haven’t won in 25 years.

Backed by a noisy crowd, the home side dominated the first period and although Steve Evans’ men upped their game in the last hour and had the leaders hanging on, it was not quite enough.

Early on, Adam Barrett’s shot on the turn was tipped over by Scott Shearer and although there were fleeting opportunities for Daniel Nardiello and Kari Arnison at the other end, it was no surprise when the hosts struck on 22 minutes.

Chris Whelpdale flung in a long throw, Danny Kedwell flicked on and Burton headed home.

Only the crossbar prevented Whelpdale doubling the advantage with a rasping 30-yarder before the Millers rang the changes. Ben Pringle and Michael O’Connor came on but it took a good stop by Shearer from Burton to keep them in the contest soon after half-time. However, Rotherham warmed to the task, and Arnison had a shot blocked and they had a great chance to equalise when they struck on the counter attack but couldn’t pick out an unmarked Nardiello as he waited.

Shearer then produced the save of the match to glance Kedwell’s close-range volley onto the bar and opposite number Stuart Nelson very nearly matched it with a terrific full-stretch save from O’Connor as the clock ticked down.

Gillingham: Nelson, Fish, Martin, Legge, Barrett, Gregory, Allen, Robinson (Weston 77), Whelpdale, Burton, Kedwell. Unused substitutes: East, Davies, Birchall, Forecast, McCain, Muggleton.

Rotherham United: Shearer, Mullins, Skarz, Davis, Morgan, Ainsworth (Pringle 46), Arnison, Noble (O’Connor 46), Kearns, Rivell, Nardiello (Odejaye 60). Unused substitutes: Warrington, Frecklington, Agard, Ridealgh.

Referee: O Langford (Isle of Wight).