Southend United claimed top spot in League Two after dispatching Gillingham at the Priestfield this evening.
Both goals came in the opening period with Liam Dickinson slotting early before Joe Martin diverted into his own net.
Tenth-placed Gillingham began the fixture on the back foot and were behind within ten minutes thanks to Dickinson, who swept home Kane Ferdinand's headed knockdown with his left foot.
The visitors restricted the Gills to long-range efforts and doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark.
David Martin fired in and his namesake Joe inadvertently sent the ball past Paulo Gazzaniga.
After the break the visiting Shrimpers maintained their control and played out the match to secure the three points.
Gavin Tomlin did pull a consolation goal back for the home side by firing Curtis Weston's pass into the top corner but it was a little too late for the Gills.
Southend leapfrog Cheltenham and Crawley into first although both sides have games in hand on the Essex club. Cheltenham have played one fewer while Crawley have only played 27 times, three fewer than the Blues.
Pascal Lemesre
