By Tim Dudding, at Withdean

Albion moved up to 17th in League One thanks to their second home win of the campaign.

Elliott Bennett was the inspiration for the victory, firing Albion ahead with a magnificent first-half free-kick, before turning provider for Tommy Elphick after the interval.

Russell Slade made four changes from the side that had surrendered a two-goal lead at Yeovil, and the new-look side got off to a flyer here. Bennett's low cross was deflected onto his own post by John Nutter, and moments later former Albion keeper Simon Royce saved well with his legs from Matt Thornhill's half-volley.

Gillingham survived Albion's earl assault, and were it not for an outstanding reaction save from Michel Kuipers, diving instinctively to keep out Andy Barcham's side-foot volley, then the visitors would have taken the lead against the run of play.

As it was, Albion remained on the front foot, with Bennett in scintillating form on the right flank. Indeed, his lung-busting run from inside his own half - crudely ended by Adam Miller on the edge of the Gills area - led to the opening goal.

Bennett dusted himself down and curled a wicked free-kick into the top corner, giving Royce no chance whatsoever.

The former Wolves winger, either inspired by his new pink boots, or, more likely, the presence of his erstwhile manager Mick McCarthy in the north stand, then delivered an inviting corner from the left, but Glenn Murray's glancing header went narrowly wide.

The visitors came into it a bit more as the first half drew to a close, and Barcham almost
almost forced the ball over the line, but between them, Kuipers and Gavin Hoyte managed to scramble away the danger, and the Seagulls made it through to the break ahead.

Gillingham remained largely in control after the interval, with Albion's defence soaking up increasing pressure, albeit without Kuipers having a real save to make.

It felt like a matter of time before Gillingham pulled level, so Slade introduced Gary Hart to the attack, and the striker's usual enthusiasm seemed to reignite Albion as an attacking force.

Suddenly Thornhill got away down the left and crossed for substitute Liam Dickinson, whose volley was blocked by Garry Richards. Andrew Crofts, facing his old team, followed up with a fierce first-time shot which was only just turned over the bar by the fingertips of Royce.

And Albion's resurgence was complete when Elphick arrived perfectly to head Bennett's cross into the top corner, instantly relieving the pressure and guiding Albion through to a welcome victory in front of the Withdean faithful.

Albion: (4-4-2) Kuipers; Hoyte, Virgo, Elphick, McNulty; Bennett, Crofts, Dicker, Thornhill; Murray (Hart 67), Forster (Dickinson 46). Subs not used: Smith (GK), Wright, Cox, Tunnicliffe, A Davies.

Gillingham: (4-5-1) Royce; Fuller, Gowling, Richards (Erskine 79), Nutter; Bentley, Weston, Payne (Lewis 52), Miller (Oli 52), Barcham; Jackson. Subs not used: Maher, Palmer, Julian, Rooney.

Attendance: 5960 (372 Gillingham).

Referee: Graham Scott.

Yellow Cards: Elphick (Albion); Miller, Lewis (Gillingham).