Two evenly-matched teams blessed with skilful forward lines both contributed to a generally scrappy game which only came to life in the second-half.
A draw might have been the fairest result, but in the end it was the team who needed the points who bagged all three.
As Wimbledon manager Stuart Murdoch cried after the game: "The headlines will write themselves." He was referring to ex-Don Patrick Agyemang, who consigned his former team to defeat with a late header.
For the relegated Dons, this game was simply about pride and they showed plenty. But in the end, the Gills had a bit more grit.
Victory gives the relegation-threatened Kent side a real chance of survival.
"Coming from behind needed a lot of character at a time when we're fighting for our lives," said player-manager Andy Hessenthaler, who couldn't hide his delight.
"We're now in with a chance of staying up." In the 58th minute he had been unable to hide his rage when an amply-endowed female streaker invaded the pitch.
While everyone else looked on in bemusement or enjoyment, an angry Hessenthaler stormed up the length of the pitch to manhandle the young lady into touch.
"I'm a passionate man," said Hessenthaler afterwards.
It certainly fired him up. Within four minutes he had put his team level, powering into the box to fire home from six yards.
From that point onwards, the balance of power changed.
Previously, in the 52nd minute the Dons' best player Gary Smith had fired his team into a deserved lead.
But now it was Hessenthaler who took control in the middle of the park.
Setting the stage for Agyemang to complete the comeback, it was especially harsh on Dons' young keeper, David Martin - son of England legend Alvin - who had an impressive home debut and also the immensely talented Malvin Kamara on the Wimbledon wing.
"My players are too young," joked Murdoch after the match. "They hadn't seen a naked lady before and went to pieces.
"We couldn't defend our lead, but that's been the story of the season."