TOMMY JOHNSON fired a late winner for Gillingham as they earned precious points from relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

Gills, under the temporary management of John Gorman, had to come from behind after Gareth Taylor had given Forest a first half lead.

Darius Henderson’s spot kick and Johnson’s thunderous effort gave Gills the points as they move to within a point of the safety zone.

Taylor’s thirteenth minute headed goal came after a cross from Andy Reid, following Gills failure to deal with a corner kick.

Headed efforts from Henderson and a disappointing Darren Byfield were Gills best efforts of the half as they went into the break a goal behind.

A spirited display in the second period saw Gills earn a deserved equaliser on 75 minutes as Henderson capped a great display by blasting in from the spot after the referee had seen a handball in the box.

Johnson’s winner came following his own run down the left, his shot was parried to Henderson, who in turn saw the keeper beat away his effort only for Johnson to crack in past Gerrard for a deserved winner.

Gills: Brown, Nosworthy, Smith, Ashby, Henderson, Rose, Crofts (Crofts 72), Hope, Roberts (Sidibe 57), Byfield (Johnson 57), Spiller. Subs: Banks, Marney.

Forest: Gerrard, Thompson, Robertson, Hjelde, Morgan, Nowland (Jess 16 (Impey 43)), Evans, Reid, Lester, Taylor, King (Johnson 75). Subs: Roche, Gardner.