Bradley Dack proved the difference maker as Gillingham clinched a 1-0 win over Walsall at Priestfield to extend the club’s unbeaten run under Gareth Ainsworth to 11 games.
The former Blackburn midfielder applied a cool 58th-minute finish from close range when a long throw from Remeao Hutton caused chaos in the Walsall penalty area.
Chances for both sides were few and far between, the first falling for the hosts when a corner from Max Clark found Robbie McKenzie at the back post. The midfielder was unmarked, but could not score.
Dack went closer on 23 minutes but fired his effort over following a defensive clearance.
Ten minutes later a Saddlers’ set play was whipped in by Jamie Jellis but goalkeeper Glenn Morris denied Mason Hancock.
The deadlock was broken just before the hour.
A throw from Hutton came off Elliott Nevitt’s foot inside the box, a shot from Conor Masterson deflected towards Andy Smith who provided a short pass to Dack, who finished smartly.
Substitute Josh Gordon went close in stoppage time, but Morris made a smart save.
