Gillingham reversed the form book with a comfortable win over over high-flying Watford at Priestfield.

First-half goals from Mamady Sidibe and Guy Ipoua put the home side in control before Kevin James made sure of the win in the last minute.

The Gills made a dream start when Sidibe - playing his first game for six weeks - stroked the ball home from close range after just two minutes.

They might have had a second soon after as first Paul Smith's brilliant 35-yard lob went just over the Watford crossbar and then player-manager Andy Hessenthaler was just wide with a free-kick.

Stephen Glass was denied an equaliser from a well-struck free-kick which was brilliantly saved by Gillingham keeper Jason Brown before Gillingham almost increased their lead.

Paul Shaw was just wide with a shot from Hessenthaler's long corner hit across the goal.

Close range

Hessenthaler then set up Gillingham's second goal when his cross from the right was met by Ipoua, who headed home from close range.

Watford's best chance came just before the interval but Danny Webber's shot came back off the woodwork.

Watford manager Ray Lewington gambled at the start of the second half by bringing on striker Tommy Smith for midfielder Allan Nielsen and Smith was soon in action, testing Brown with a 20-yard shot.

But Watford were struggling to make any clearcut chances and they were limited to long-range efforts - Webber seeing a 20-yard effort saved and Glass driving the ball wide from 30 yards.

But in the last minute James lobbed the Watford keeper to wrap up a fine win.

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Gillingham: Brown, Nosworthy, Ashby, Hope, Perpetuini, Shaw, Hessenthaler, Smith, Saunders, Sidibe, Ipoua. Subs: Bartram, Leon Johnson, James, Spiller, Tommy Johnson.

Watford: Chamberlain, Doyley, Cox, Dyche, Robinson, Ardley, Nielsen, Hyde, Glass, Webber, Helguson. Subs: Tommy Smith, Mahon, Johnson, McNamee, Lee.

Referee: L Cable (Surrey)