Josh Gowling proved an unlikely goal hero as Gillingham kept their heads above the water with a vital 2-1 win over Southampton.

Gowling emerges as unlikely hero for strugglers

Defender Josh Gowling proved an unlikely goal hero as Gillingham kept their heads above the water with a vital 2-1 win over Southampton. The 26-year old struck six minutes into the second half, adding to striker Rene Howe's opener to see the Gills maintain their two point safety margin ahead of next weekend's finale. Gillingham displayed attacking intent from the outset and Howe broke the deadlock after 18 minutes, slotting into an open goal from 10 yards after Saints' goalkeeper Kelvin Davis' clearance cannoned off Simeon Jackson. Gowling doubled the lead shortly after the break, heading home Curtis Weston's cross moments after Jon Otsemobor's brave block had denied Jackson. Southampton bounced back through David Connolly's 20-yard strike in the 66th minute. But while top scorer Rickie Lambert came close, the Saints couldn't fashion an equaliser and Gillingham hung on for three valuable points.