Barrow boss Stephen Clemence made an unhappy return to Gillingham with a 2-0 defeat in the Sky Bet League Two top-of-the-table clash.
The former Tottenham and Birmingham midfielder made the move to Holker Street after being sacked by the Kent club at the end of last season.
However, it was the Gills who returned to the top of the table – after Walsall’s convincing lunchtime kick-off win – thanks to goals from Jayden Clarke and Robbie McKenzie either side of half-time.
McKenzie expertly picked out Clarke’s run as the 23-year-old fired home his third league goal in as many games in the 17th minute.
Gills’ George Lapslie squandered a great chance at the back post before he rattled the woodwork just before half-time.
Gills’ stopper Glenn Morris frustrated the visitors with a string of second-half saves. He kept out Emile Acquah and Dean Campbell before Ged Garner missed the target when unmarked.
McKenzie wrapped up the points as he met Jack Nolan’s corner at the back post in the 62nd minute.
Barrow goalkeeper Wyll Stanway did well to keep out substitute Ethan Coleman’s header, but the home side had done enough by then.
