Max Clark secures Gillingham’s victory at Bristol Rovers

Gillingham’s Max Clark went from villain to hero after the left-back volleyed in from 20 yards to seal a 1-0 win against Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

The 29-year-old netted his second of the Sky Bet League Two season following good work by fellow full-back Remeao Hutton down Gillingham’s right flank, with his cross headed away to Clark who then excellently steered in from range.

Clark had earlier seen his 30th-minute penalty saved by Rovers goalkeeper Luke Southwood, after shooting straight down the middle of the goal, following Clinton Mola being penalised for fouling Sam Gale on the edge of the six-yard box at a corner.

The Pirates should have taken the lead themselves, five minutes after that incident, when Stephan Negru missed a gilt-edged chance to net the opener, meeting Shaq Forde’s bouncing cross at the back post but skying his shot with the goal gaping.

Rovers substitute Kamil Conteh headed against the bar from a corner in the 97th minute before Gale blocked on the goal line in the final seconds to secure the victory for the Gills.