WREXHAM slipped to fourth in League Two after losing 1-0 to play-off contenders Gillingham at The Priestfield Stadium.

Phil Parkinson's men made the trip to Kent unbeaten in three matches but defeat leaves the Reds four points behind Mansfield Town who are leaders on goal difference from Stockport County.

The Gills scored the only goal 10 minutes into the second half as Wrexham suffered another away defeat.

There are now 13 games remaining in the quest for a second successive promotion, with Wrexham back in action at lowly Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday.

Parkinson made four changes from the side that started Tuesday's 1-1 draw with MK Dons.

Ryan Barnett replaced Luke Bolton at right wing-back while Jordan Tunnicliffe took over from centre-back Will Boyle who was sent off for the second time this year at Stadium MK and was starting a two-game suspension.

Elliot Lee, who has featured in every league game this season but had a rare run-out as a substitute in midweek, returned to the midfield in place of Luke Young and Steven Fletcher came into the attack for Sam Dalby.

Gillingham made the early running and Tim Dieng's header from a corner was comfortably saved by Arthur Okonkwo.

A swift counter-attack led to Wrexham's first chance as James McClean spread the ball to Barnett who tried to pick up out the Irishman with a return pass and he fired wide from a tight angle.

Jacob Mendy's curling effort was tipped away by keeper Glenn Morris as Wrexham continued the good spell of pressure, while Ethan Coleman couldn't keep his header down for Gills.

Barnett fired wide at the other end after Fletcher and McClean combined, and although the Gills came more into the game, there was another chance for the Reds when Fletcher found the side-netting.

Remeao Hutton fired straight at Okonkwo for the home side and Coleman's long range shot was turned over the bar by the Reds' goalkeeper.

Wrexham responded with another quick break as Jack Marriott headed the ball to McClean who found Barnett and he raced forward before blasting over.

It remained goalless at the break but only an excellent last-ditch challenge in the area by Max Cleworth at the start of the second half prevented Oli Hawkins from getting a shot away.

However, the Gills took the lead in the 55th minute.

Max Clark sent in a free-kick to the far post which was turned back across goal by Conor Masterson and Dieng slotted home from close range.

The Gills continued to go at Wrexham who saw Mendy head over the bar from Barnett's cross.

Ashley Nadesan fired wide for the Gills but Wrexham almost equalised with their best chance of the game.

Lee's shot was parried by Morris, Fletcher's acrobatic follow-up was going in but the goalkeeper made a superb save to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Wrexham made a late rally but the equaliser never came.

Gillingham (5-3-2): Morris; Hutton, Masterson, Ehmer, Ogie, Clark (Malone 77); Dieng, Coleman, Jonny Williams (McKenzie 77); Nadesan (Clarke 77), Hawkins. Subs not used: Holtam, Williams, Mahoney, Walker.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Okonkwo; Barnett, Cleworth, O'Connell, Tunnicliffe (Young 77), Mendy (Davies 77); McClean, Cannon, Lee; Fletcher (Dalby 77), Marriott (Mullin 69). Subs not used: Howard, Tozer.

Attendance: 8,693 (844 from Wrexham).