A deflection came courtesy of an on-rushing defender, leaving Simon Royce in the Gills goal flat-footed as the ball looped past him. That strike, Hackney's second in two games, killed off any hopes that the Gills had of taking anything from the game.
And the visitors were saved further punishment ten minutes later when Danny Graham's blistering volley was tipped on to the bar by Royce as Carlisle looked to repeat last season's 5-0 win over the Gills. But the expected flood of goals never came for the home side as they failed to find a way past the visitors' solid rearguard.
The Cumbrians took an early lead when the unfortunate Ian Cox put through his own goal after 15 minutes. Bridge-Wilkinson's corner to the far post was missed by Royce, and under pressure from Danny Livesey, Cox could only watch as the ball bounced off his leg and over the line.
Gillingham striker Chris Dickson, on loan from Charlton Athletic, thought he had equalised in the 30th minute. But despite reaching a cross in front of Keiren Westwood, referee David Foster ruled he had pushed Livesey as he jumped.
Another chance went begging for Gillingham when Mark Bentley blasted over from eight yards after good work by Delroy Facey. And Facey again did well after 56 minutes but his stinging 20-yard drive was pushed away by Westwood and the Gills were forced to make the long journey back home after yet another defeat.