Pools came into the fixture knowing the significance against the side one place below them in the league table but they were out-fought at the Priesfield as they slumped to what could be a damaging defeat.
Gillingham new boy Tom Nichols opened the scoring when diverting Alex MacDonald’s free kick in from the left five minutes before half-time before Dom Jefferies doubled the lead on the hour just moments after Hartlepool thought they had equalised.
Mark Shelton beat his man before seeing a strike at goal deflect and loop, seemingly over Glenn Morris’ head, only for Josh Umerah to glance in to make sure from an offside position.
Umerah also hit the post late in the game but it was an afternoon which brings with it huge concern as Pools were comfortably beaten by the Gills.
And here is how Pools were rated.
9. Joe Grey - 4
Took a couple of heavy knocks early in the game which he might have struggled to recover from. Didn’t seem to get close enough to Umerah. One nice link up with Sylla in the second half. Subbed. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
10. Jack Hamilton - 3
Usually effective in the air but Gillingham dominated on that front across the field. Like Grey he never got close enough to Umerah, often enough, in the first half and was subsequently subbed at the break with very few touches. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
11. Josh Umerah - 5
Was fairly isolated. Took things into his own hands when bringing a first save from Morris with a fierce effort. Did everything right when hitting the post - unfortunate to see it come back out. Diverted Shelton’s goalbound effort in from an offside position. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
12. Mark Shelton - 4
Wayward at times in possession as Pools looked for answers from one another. Nice skill to beat his man and strike at goal. Looked like it was going in before Umerah diverted it in from an offside position. Struggled to make an impact. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West