The game was pretty low on quality, aside from a brilliant first half goal from Luke Molyneux. Gillingham, playing their first game under new boss John Coleman, dominated the first half-hour with Rovers penned into their own half for much of the time.
But completely against the run of play Molyneux opened the scoring when he dashed onto a poor header back towards his own goalkeeper by Armani Little. Molyneux got it under control and produced a classy, chipped finish over the onrushing Glenn Morris for his second goal in as many games.
Billy Sharp then produced a horror miss from a few yards out just before the break. The hosts peppered efforts towards Ted Sharman-Lowe's goal in the second half but never truly troubled him as Rovers held on for a much-needed away victory.
Here's how we rated the players in Kent:
9. Rob Street 6
Used his physicality well and to good effect. Some good hold-up play to bring in teammates. A couple of off-target attempts. Booked Photo: Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD
10. Billy Sharp 5
Starved of service, in truth. Missed an absolute gimme towards the end of the first half, blazing over from a few yards out. If we're being kind, you could say he was off-balance but he'll be fuming at himself. Photo: Howard Roe/ahpix.com
11. Luke Molyneux 8
Hardly in the game until he sprinkled a dollop of genuine class on the contest. A sumptuous lob to embarrass the onrushing Morris and notch his second goal inside a week. Photo: Craig Hawkhead/AHPIX LTD
12. Harry Clifton 6
Added his typical energy as fresh legs were introduced just after the hour mark. Had two off-target efforts. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD