Captain Adam Miller's solitary strike fired Gillingham to their third win on the trot and above promotion rivals Exeter in the process.
Grecians put to the sword
Captain Adam Miller's solitary strike fired Gillingham to their third win on the trot and above promotion rivals Exeter in the process.
The Gills dominated for long stages with Nicky Southall, Simeon Jackson and Dennis Oli all going close before Miller finally found the back of the net 11 minutes from time.
Exeter came within inches of breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute when Neil Saunders' shot deflected off Simon King and onto the crossbar.
The hosts thought they had gone in front in the 58th minute when Paul Jones parried Southall's volley and Miller slid the ball into the net but the goal was ruled off for offside.
Jackson 73rd-minute shot was also fumbled by Jones but the pressure finally paid off six minutes later.
Jackson's shot from close range shot fell to Miller and he tapped in what proved to be the winner.