Gillingham cemented their position at the top of League Two for a couple of hours at least by defeating Chesterfield 1-0 as both sides ended the match with 10 men at Priestfield.

A precise headed effort from Robbie McKenzie after just eight minutes was enough to separate the two teams in all-action encounter.

Ironically, Chesterfield were quicker out of the traps and nearly took a fourth-minute lead, only for Darren Oldaker’s 30-yard free-kick to strike the crossbar.

Dilan Markanday had a better chance for the visitors moments later, but his powerful left-footed effort from 15 yards missed the target.

These missed opportunities proved costly when – after eight minutes – a floated free-kick from Jack Nolan towards the back post found McKenzie unmarked, who made no mistake with a precise header from six yards.

Markanday did find the net after 52 minutes for Paul Cook’s men, but the offside flag cut his celebration short.

Gills skipper Max Ehmer was dismissed on the hour for a second bookable offence and that gave the visitors a great chance to get on level terms.

But despite heavy pressure late on, when they struck the crossbar again through Tom Naylor, Chesterfield failed to produce an equaliser.

Defender Chey Dunkley was sent off himself for a second bookable offence shortly after as Mark Bonner’s side hung on for victory.