Doncaster Rovers 2 Gillingham 0

IT'S all bad news for Gillingham at half-time as they trail to Doncaster and have lost another striker to injury.

The home side took a 27th minute lead in controversial circumstances when Jason Brown tried to claw David Wheater's effort away after a desperate goalmouth scramble but the assistant referee immediately signalled that the ball had crossed the line. Brown's protests fell on deaf ears.

And they extended their lead in stoppage time at the end of the half when Ross McCormack comfortably converted from the penalty spot after Leon Johnson had pushed Jason Price.

Doncaster had come close to opening the scoring in the 15th minute when McCormack's shot from the edge of the area beat Brown but came back off the crossbar and fell kindly for Danny Jackman.

Gary Mulligan had Gillingham's best chance with a free shot from 12 yards but he was leaning back and ballooned it over the bar.

In the 35th minute, the Gills suffered a sickening injury blow when the young striker on loan from Sheffield United was stretchered off with a serious leg injury after a challenge from Kevin Horlock.

With Neil Harris and Matt Jarvis both out injured and Darren Byfield suspended, it was a sorry sight for Ronnie Jepson as Mulligan was carried from the field.

Justin Cochrane and Johnson have both picked up first half yellow cards for the visitors and will need to be careful after the break.

Gillingham: Brown, Hope, Johnson, Cox, Clohessy, Flynn, Cochrane, Crofts, Jackman, Black, Mulligan (Shields 35)
Subs: Crichton, Rose, Sancho, Grant.