Gillingham 0-3 Lincoln City - Imps top of League One by three points

Conor McGrandles (left) opened the scoring for Lincoln after just 14 minutes

Lincoln City moved three points clear at the top of League One with an impressive win at Gillingham.

The Imps returned to winning ways and ended Gillingham's four-match unbeaten run thanks to goals from Conor McGrandles, Jorge Grant and Tom Hopper.

McGrandles pounced on a loose ball inside the area after Brennan Johnson's back heel for the first-half opener.

Grant then converted a penalty just before the hour before Hopper headed in from close range.

Gillingham came closest to reducing the deficit shortly after Hopper's goal when Kyle Dempsey had a right-foot drive stopped by Alex Palmer and John Akinde headed against the crossbar.

Michael Appleton's side were unlucky not to add to their three goals as Johnson also struck the crossbar shortly before their second goal, while Hopper was denied a second of the evening in stoppage time when he was adjudged offside.

Gillingham endured a tough examination as Connor Ogilvie needed lengthy treatment for a cut to his head early in the second half after colliding with Hopper.

Manager Steve Evans was also booked in the latter stages for his protests towards referee Samuel Barrott.

Hull City have the chance to return top on goal difference above Lincoln on Saturday if they can win at bottom-of-the-table Burton Albion.