Gillingham down Rochdale to end their wait for a win in emphatic fashion
Gareth Ainsworth’s team scored four against their hosts, who had Ed Francis sent off.
Gillingham celebrated their first win of the season with a comfortable 4-1 victory at 10-man Rochdale in Sky Bet League Two.
Despite losing both Zech Obiero, who was carried off on a stretcher, and Will Goodwin early on, the visitors took the lead in the 32nd minute when James Brophy curled a shot wide of Nils Ramming.
Omar Beckles doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, pouncing on a loose ball six yards from goal – and the home side capitulated thereafter.
Three minutes later Lamin Sillah effectively wrapped up the three points. Eli King’s delivery was nodded down by Andy Smith and Sillah headed home.
Dale were reduced to 10 men when Ed Francis saw red for a second bookable offence on the hour mark.
Gills stopper Oliver Wright made a fine double save to deny Mani Dieseruvwe and Luke Hannant before Brophy scored a superb fourth.
Midway through the second half Brophy drifted in from the left and dribbled the ball round four defenders before beating Ramming from close range.
Dale debutant Charlie Tasker headed an 87th minute reply for the home side.