After last week's excellent draw at Brentford, Gillingham came crashing down to earth with a poor performance against lowly Barnet at krbs Priestfield Stadium.
Mark Stimson shuffled his pack handing a debut to midfield playmaker Josh Wright in favour of Adam Miller while Dennis Oli was chosen over Mark McCammon in attack.
Barnet made a lively start to the first half as the home side began the opening exchanges on the back foot. It was the Bees who created the first chance of note in the 13th minute as good persistence by Paul Furlong saw the veteran striker squeeze a speculative effort wide of Royce's right hand post.
Sure enough the visitor's pressure paid dividends in the 23rd minute when John O'Flynn carried the ball down the right wing and crossed for Furlong to head unmarked into the net.
The Bees continued to look the more comfortable of the sides and could have extended their lead soon after when Nicky Deverdics' stinging drive rocketed inches over the crossbar.
Gillingham's best spell of pressure came late in the half with the home side forcing a series of free-kicks and corners but still they were unable to conjure a single shot on target.
After the restart the Gills looked livelier and John Nutter delivered their first effort on target in the 50th minute with a dipping volley that was comfortably held by Jake Cole in the Bees goal.
No sooner had the home side sparked to life than Barnet were awarded a penalty, Mark Bentley was ruled to have tripped Furlong in the area and John O'Flynn made no mistake from the spot.
A well worked free kick in the 57th minute should have seen the Gills pull one back, Josh Wright's short free-kick was touched on by Simeon Jackson but Simon King's shot from close range was turned round the post for a corner.
The introduction of Mark McCammon seemed to galvanise Gillingham's attacking force but it was the new arrival who spurned a great opening after 67 minutes. Andy Barcham chased onto a long through ball and beat the oncoming keeper however with the goal at his mercy McCammon sliced wide.
Barnet had a chance to make it 3-0 against the run of play after great work down the right by O'Flynn set up Furlong to shoot but Simon Royce raced off his line to make an excellent block.
Then in the 90th minute Gillingham missed the easiest chance of the match after McCammon flicked Nutter's free-kick across goal but Garry Richards couldn't apply the finish at the far post.
Attendance: 6033
Gillingham: Simon Royce, Barry Fuller, Simon King, Mark Bentley, John Nutter, Nicky Southall (Adam Miller 67), Josh Wright, Curtis Weston, Andy Barcham (Garry Richards 75), Dennis Oli (Mark McCammon 63), Simeon Jackson.
Subs not used: Stuart Lewis, Alan Julian.
Barnet: Jake Cole, Joe Devera, Ismail Yakubu, Gary Breen, Matt Lockwood, Yala Bolasie Kenny Gillet 90), Neal Bishop, Nicky Deverdics, Albert Adomah, Paul Furlong, John O'Flynn (Adam Birchall 80).
Subs not used: Ran Kadoch, Max Porter, Joe Tabiri.
