������̳

Kyle Vassell's early penalty proved the difference as Fleetwood edged out mid-table rivals Gillingham.

The hosts' third straight victory moved them up to 14th, within a point of the Gills in 13th - and only six points off the play-offs.

Less than two minutes had gone when Fleetwood went in front courtesy of Vassell's penalty kick, awarded after Gills defender Connor Ogilvie had shoved Ged Garner.

Just five minutes later Vassell almost struck again when he saw a deflected strike from 15 yards hit the crossbar.

The hosts were well on top and Garner ought to have done better when he fired straight at keeper Jack Bonham.

Shortly before the break Gills midfielder Thomas O'Connor curled a 25-yard effort narrowly off target.

Gills substitute John Akinde was twice thwarted by home keeper Alex Cairns, either side of an audacious halfway-line effort from Fleetwood's Jordan Rossiter which struck the crossbar.

Match report supplied by PA Media.