Glen Little scored for the first time this season as Burnley completed a hat-trick of wins over Gillingham.
His goal eight minutes from time earned the Clarets a first division double to go with their FA Cup victory two weeks ago.
Missing top scorer Robbie Blake through suspension, Burnley just about merited their success but it looked as though the game was heading for a goalless bore until Little pounced.
It was a scruffy goal but a priceless one for Burnley, Little getting the final touch after on-loan midfielder Neil Wood had lobbed the ball over the Gillingham defence more in hope than expectation.
It was left to Little to keep his cool but he ended up scuffing the shot to leave Gillingham keeper Jason Brown bewildered as the ball rolled passed him for the decisive goal.
Gillingham might well have earned a point had Burnley keeper Brian Jensen not pulled off a fantastic late save to keep out a header from Chris Hope.
Gillingham had few other chances but substitute Rodney Wallace should have given them the lead within minutes of coming on when he shot wide with the goal at this mercy.
This victory ends a run of two months without a league win and lifts Burnley a couple of places away from relegation trouble.
Burnley are still unbeaten in 2004 and manager Stan Ternent will take great heart from a much needed first division win.
Ternent was unable to make it to the match through illness and Little's goal will have provided him with the perfect tonic.