Gillingham turned a one goal advantage into a 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield to leave them still searching for some away-day joy.

The Gills have still only picked up a single point away from Priestfield in 11 games.

Things did start well on Saturday though with Simeon Jackson putting the Gills ahead early on in Yorkshire. Two late goals in the first half, however, turned the match around by the break.

Huddersfield could have extended the lead in the second half but failed to make the most of their numerous chances.

Gills boss Mark Stimson was upset his side didn’t get a result but was delighted with the players’ attitude.

“We are disappointed not to get anything from it but we always knew it would be a tough task because Huddersfield are a very good side, play with a lot of attacking flair and score a hell of a lot of goals. We knew we would be tested.

“After a fantastic start for the first half hour, without being in control of the game, we gave ourselves a chance but unfortunately we conceded one on the stroke of half time.

“We then conceded from a set piece, which was disappointing, but I can’t fault the players we had available for effort and desire. They gave absolutely everything.”

Gillingham arrived at the Galpharm Stadium with more injury concerns as keeper Simon Royce (knee) was out after a mid-week car accident and Curtis Weston was missing due to family issues.

The Gills were without a win all season on the road and were facing a team who hadn’t lost in League 1 on their home patch. Despite the odds being stacked against them the Gills found themselves in the driving seat just three minutes in.

Kevin Maher played a ball in behind the Huddersfield defence and Jackson did the rest, by lobbing keeper Alex Smithies from the edge of the box. It was Jackson’s 13th goal of the campaign and first on away soil.

Huddersfield engineered a number of chances following Jackson’s opener with their top scorer Jordan Rhodes heading two good chances wide.

With 27 minutes gone midfielder Antony Kay smashed a dipping shot against Alan Julian’s crossbar.

Rhodes was frustrated again seven minutes before the break and it needed a fantastic reflex save from Julian to deny the striker from close range.

The scores were level just two minutes later, however, as Lee Novak picked up a through-ball and sidefooted past Julian and it got worse for Gillingham in first half injury time. Julian made a good save from Gary Roberts’ free-kick but from the subsequent corner Rhodes headed home.

Huddersfield nearly made it 3-1 just before the hour mark and it took a clearance off the line from captain Barry Fuller to keep the hosts out following a Roberts corner.

Maher tested the keeper’s handling at the other end and Andy Barcham fired one chance over the bar as Gillingham maintained hopes of getting back into the match.

Julian had to make a smart save from another Roberts free-kick that was heading towards goal. Moments later Novak fired inches over with a back-heeled effort and the same player curled a shot wide soon after.

Huddersfield continued to dominate the half but the lead remained slender. It proved to be enough though to walk away with all three points and leave the Gills with none.

Gills: Julian, Fuller, Lewis (Yussuff 72mins), Maher, Bentley, Palmer, Jackson, Barcham, Fry, Oli (Rooney 87mins), Payne (McCammon 78mins). Subs not used: Nutter, Erskine, Wynter.

Huddersfield: Smithies, Peltier, Skarz, Collins, P Clarke, N Clarke, Roberts, Kay, Rhodes, Novak, Ainsworth (Berrett 90mins). Subs not used: Glennon, Robinson, Goodwin, Williams, Butler, Hunt.

Attendance: 13,844.