GILLINGHAM were brushed aside by a rampant Millwall side at The Den this afternoon as the Lions climbed back into the automatic promotion places.

Goals from Shaun Batt, Tony Craig, Danny Schofield and Neil Harris eased the hosts to a 4-0 success against a Gillingham side who never looked a match for their opponents.

Manager Kenny Jackett made two changes to the side which won 2-1 at Colchester on Easter Monday as Jack Smith came in for Alan Dunne and Shaun got the nod ahead of Harris.

Harris was on the bench where he was joined by fellow striker Gary Alexander, who was returning from a long injury layoff which last saw him in action during the October’s 2-1 victory over Leeds.

Millwall were straight on the attack but Chris Hackett fired wide within 30 seconds after being put through on goal by Morison.

Adam Miller picked up a yellow card in the fourth minute for a clumsy challenge on Jimmy Abdou and from Craig’s free-kick, Paul Robinson headed straight at Alan Julian.

Gillingham’s first opportunity arrived in the eighth minute when Darren Dennehy headed just over from Danny Jackman’s corner.

Smith’s delightful cross-field pass found Schofield and after chesting the ball down, the Millwall winger saw his effort saved by Julian.

David Forde had to be alert at the other end to deal with Simeon Jackson’s well-struck 19th minute volley from the edge of the area.

Morison tried his luck with an ambitious 25-yard volley midway through the first half which was easily gathered by Julian.

The deadlock was broken on 27 minutes and unsurprisingly it was Millwall who got their noses in front.

Liam Trotter picked out Schofield, who put Batt through on goal and his low shot into the bottom corner gave Julian no chance.

Gillingham attempted to respond immediately but Rene Howe’s shot on the turn caused Forde few problems.

Millwall doubled their advantage in spectacular style 10 minutes before the break when Craig unleashed a swerving volley from 20-yards which deceived Julian and flew into the back of the net.

Gills skipper Barry Fuller did well to charge down Schofield’s 38th minute shot at the expense of the corner.

The visitors were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position 19-yards from goal after Trotter was adjudged to have fouled Andy Barcham, but Adam Miller fired straight at the wall and Barcham volleyed the rebound harmlessly wide.

Howe failed to pick out a team-mate and his low cross was saved by Forde as the Lions went in at the interval deservedly 2-0 to the good.

Harris was introduced for Morison at the start of the second half but it was Gillingham who had the first chance as Stuart Lewis fired wide.

The outcome was put beyond doubt on the hour when Schofield ran into the box, beat one defender before lining up a shot and firing past Julian to make it 3-0.

Schofield tried his luck again with a long range effort from 30 yards but it was Harris who made it four on 67 minutes when Hackett’s corner was flicked on by Robinson and the striker nodded home from two yards.

Gillingham’s frustrating afternoon was summed up perfectly by Miller’s 25-yard volley which sailed high and into the stand one minute before Batt was replaced by Jonathan Obika.

Trotter was the final Lion to make way five minutes later but there was to be no cameo from Alexander as Scott Barron was the man chosen to enter the fray.

Millwall were happy to play keep ball for the remainder of the game and the closest they came to making it five was when Harris shot straight at Julian.

But results elsewhere ensured it was the Lions who reclaimed second spot from Swindon, who lost 3-0 at Colchester.

Millwall: Forde, Smith, Robinson, Ward, Craig, Hackett, Trotter (Barron 80), Abdou, Schofield, Morison (Harris 46), Batt (Obika 75). Subs not used: Sullivan, Frampton, Alexander, Laird. Att: 13,174.