Gillingham were unable to stop leaders Portsmouth's relentless march towards the Premier League on Saturday despite a late rally that rattled the home side.

Defender Arjan De Zeeuw's first goal for the club after 58 minutes was good enough to earn Pompey maximum points in a game that was evenly balanced

He rose unchallenged at the back post to head home Paul Merson's free kick.

The introduction of substitute Mamady Sidibe coincided with a late Gillingham revival as the anxious home side were forced to defend in depth.

Attendance: 19,521