Walsall wasted a hatful of chances against Gillingham at the Bescot Stadium and in the end were grateful to their Brazilian striker Junior.

His seventh-minute strike proved the difference between the sides, despite Walsall having most of the play.

Walsall's second attack brought a goal when Steve Corica hit a good pass from the left and Junior drilled the ball home from the centre of the penalty area.

The Saddlers should have made it two after 16 minutes but Jorge Leitao squandered a good chance by shooting wide.

Walsall began to dominate as they pushed forward for a second goal and Brown had to pull off a smart save from a Leitao shot from the centre of the penalty area.

Gillingham had their first real chance in the 33rd minute when Barry Ashby met a Andy Hessenthaler free-kick and headed goalwards, but James Walker saved confidently.

At the other end, Brown dealt confidently with a speculative shot by Junior and the Brazilian then volleyed over the bar from 18 yards.

Gills player-manager Hessenthaler replaced himself with Mamady Sidibe at the start of the second half as the Gills attempted to break the home side's stranglehold.

They had a chance from a dangerous cross by Roland Edge but Walker was quick off his line to catch the ball.

But Walsall were the more dangerous on the attack and Leitao was unlucky with a well-struck shot which Brown fumbled but somehow cleared.

Gillingham's chances were few and far between and Marlon King led a rare raid but his cross was easily cleared by Ludovic Pollet.

Walsall quickly replied and Brown managed to tip over a clever chip from Junior and then cut out a dangerous cross from Sonner.

Gillingham brought on Guy Ipoua for Tommy Johnson in a last gamble to grab a goal as the visitors pressed forward in numbers.

Walsall almost had the last word with another fierce shot from Junior but again the ball flashed wide.

Walsall: Walker, Bazeley, Hay, Pollet, Roper, Wrack, O'Connor, Sonner, Corica, Leitao, Junior.
Subs: Ward, Carbon, Birch, Wright, Simpson.

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

Referee: P Rejer (Worcestershire)