Gillingham slide to tenth in the League Two table following a frustrating 0-2 defeat at a wintry Don Valley stadium.

Mark Stimson made wholesale changes after last weeks home defeat to Bradford as Barry Fuller made a surprise return to the back four with Mark Bentley preferred to Garry Richards at centre-half. Stuart Lewis partnered Curtis Weston in midfield with Nicky Southall returning on the right and Adam Miller pushing forward to play off the shoulder of Simeon Jackson

The home side began in lively fashion with Jamie Clarke looking particularly dangerous down the left wing though his openings efforts were both wide of the mark.

Rotherham created the first clear opening of the half after 16 minutes with Jamie Green crossing for Reuben Reid at the back post but the forward's header was straight into the side-netting

The Millers finally took the lead ten minutes later after Reuben Reid found Simon Thomas in the area, Royce got down quickly to block his effort but the rebound fell kindly for Jamie Clarke to rifle home.

Gillingham responded quickly with Andy Barcham making space on the edge of the area before feeding Nicky Southall on the right of goal, only to see the experienced midfielder fire tamely at keeper Warrington.

The Gills best chance of the half came in the 37th minute when Curtis Weston played a short ball to Simeon Jackson who turned and shrugged off a series of challenges before shooting powerfully at Warrington, who held his effort well.

Moments later the visitors did find the target with Andy Barcham slotting home after being sent clear in the area by Southall, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The second half started in turgid fashion with neither side managing to generate a shot on goal barring a desperate lash from Stuart Lewis which sailed well wide of the mark.

The half woke up following a double substitution in the 65th minute which saw Dennis Oli and Gary Mulligan enter the fray. The move paid off almost instantly Mulligan flicking Nutters long ball into the path of Oli whose shot hit the keepers legs.

John Nutter's 70th minute free kick fell invitingly for Nicky Southall but the midfielders snap-shot was deflected wide.

Soon after things got worse for the Gills when Simon King was hurt in a late challenge by former loan signing Dale Tonge leaving the centre-half unable to continue.

The home side could have extended their lead moments later when Ryan Taylor rose above the visitors defence to meet Reid's cross but headed well over the crossbar 

Shortly after Rotherham made amends with full-back Jamie Green tearing down the left wing before cutting into the area to fire a sweet strike into the far corner.

Five minutes from time Dennis Oli found John Nutter in the box but his volley was blocked on the line and Adam Miller blazed the rebound wide.

Attendance: 2757 (269)

Gillingham: Simon Royce, Barry Fuller, Mark Bentley, Simon King (78 Garry Richards), John Nutter, Nicky Southall, Stuart Lewis (65 Dennis Oli), Curtis Weston, Andy Barcham, Simeon Jackson (65 Gary Mulligan), Adam Miller

Subs not used: Rene Steer, Jaime Peters

Rotherham: Andy Warrington, Dale Tonge, Ian Sharps, Nick Fenton, Jamie Green, Pablo Mills, Mark Hudson, Jason Taylor, Jamie Clarke (71 Marc Joseph), Simon Thomas (67 Ryan Talyor), Reuben Reid

Subs not used: Steven Cann, Micky Cummins, Danny Harrison