Gillingham claimed their sixth home win of the season and extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 4-0 win over Rotherham United at krbs Priestfield Stadium.

Mark Stimson made two changes to the team which beat Bury last weekend, Simeon Jackson made a welcome return from injury in place of Gary Mulligan who was ruled out through illness, while Simon Royce returned in goal.

Gillingham made the perfect start after just six minutes when Simon King headed home Nicky Southall's free kick to put the home side in front and claim his first goal in a Gillingham shirt.

The visitors took their time to setttle into the game but managed their first shot on goal after 17 minutes Reuben Reid laid off to Michael Cummins but his strike from the right of the area fizzed into the side netting.

With both sides boasting similar records in the League it was unsurprising that chances were at a premium as both sides battled for dominance.

Then on the half hour Simon Royce came to the Gills rescue with a magnificent save to tip Nick Fenton's shot over the crossbar after the defender connected with Ian Sharps long free-kick.

A hotly contested game boiled over in the 35th minute when Danny Harrison's lunge on Barry Fuller resulted in a straight red card for the Millers No. 4. Doubtless Mark Stimson was as relieved as the Gills faithful to see his skipper return to the field after lengthy treatment.

In the 43rd minute the Gills should have made it two, Simeon Jackson fed Adam Miller inside the area, he was brought down by keeper Andy Warrington but the referee played advantage only to see Curtis Weston's follow up cleared off the line.

In added time substitute Mark Hudson tested Royce with a well struck shot from the edge of the area which the Gills keeper was grateful to gather at the second attempt to keep the home sides half time lead intact

Stimson was forced to shuffle his pack at half time as Curtis Weston left the field with a knock, Mark McCammon came on to partner Jackson up front with Adam Miller dropping into central midfield.

Soon after the restart ten man Rotherham carved out a great opportunity, Richie Barker sent Mark Hudson through on goal but Simon Royce came out quickly to gather at his feet.

At the other end, Player of the Month Nicky Southall weaved through the Millers defence before sending a teasing ball across the face of goal but Andy Barcham arrived to late to apply the finish.

The Gills second came in the 58th minute, Adam Miller sent Mark McCammon through on goal, the keeper parried his initial effort and Miller was on hand to turn home the loose ball for his second of the season.

Despite their man disadvantage Rotherham still threatened and were unlucky when Richie Barker broke clear of the Gills defence to get on the end of a long through ball but with the goal at his mercy the Millers striker mistimed his strike and fired well wide.

At the other end Andy Barcham stung Warrington's gloves with a sweet strike from the edge of the area before Mark Bentley's header was blocked on the line.

Gillingham grabbed their third in the 78th minute from a free-kick after Adam Miller had been brought down on the left side of midfield. John Nutter picked out Garry Richards with a curling cross and the central defender headed unchallenged into the far corner.

In the 88th minute Luis Cumbers claimed his first senior goal to make it 4-0. Albert Jarrett found John Nutter with a far post cross who teed up Cumbers for a simple tap-in.

Still the Millers refused to give in with Jamie Yates beating the offside trap to send a wicked cross into the Gills six yard box but sadly none of his team mates were on hand to finish the move

For many, Mark Stimson included, the visit of Rotherham was expected to be Gillingham's toughest test of the season to date, on this afternoon's evidence the team passed with flying colours.

Attendance: 5306

Gillingham: Simon Royce, Barry Fuller, Simon King, Garry Richards, John Nutter, Nicky Southall, Curtis Weston (46 Mark McCammon), Mark Bentley, Andy Barcham  (85 Luis Cumbers), Adam Miller, Simeon Jackson (81 Albert Jarrett).

Subs not used: Alan Julian, Leigh Mills

Rotherham: Andy Warrington, Dale Tonge, Danny Harrison, Ian Sharps, Nick Fenton, Michael Cummins, Reuben Reid (77 Jamie Yates), Pablo Mills, Richie Barker (75 Drewe Broughton), Andy Nicholas, Omar Garcia (40 Mark Hudson)

Subs not used: Jamie Annerson, Marc Joseph