Gills record training ground win over Dagenham
New Gills boss Martin Allen got the first opportunity to see his side in action as they recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory in a game of three thirty minute periods against John Still's Dagenham & Redbridge at Beechings Cross earlier today.
The goals came from Bradley Dack, Charlie Lee (penalty) and a trialist as 25 different players got valuable playing time under their belts including Adam Birchall and Barry Fuller who managed 30 and 60 minutes respectively following their long injury lay-offs.
Gillingham, with Fuller at right-back, got off to a great start when they opened the scoring with just two minutes on the clock. Danny Kedwell and Lee combined to create an opening for the prolific Dack who stabbed the ball beyond Chris Lewington from around ten yards.
Danny Jackman saw a low strike saved before the Gills trialist between the sticks was called into action for the first time when keeping out an effort from Brian Woodall. The keeper then had to react quickly to block Dwight Gayle's shot after Abu Ogogo found him with a reverse pass.
Before the opening half-hour session ended both Josh Scott and Charlie Lee went close with chances at either end.
The introduction of Birchall was one of two changes at the first break, while he replaced Kedwell the other saw one of a number of trialists take over from Andy Frampton at the back.
Included in the Dagenham line-up was former Gillingham youngster Luke Howell in their midfield.
This section of the game saw the Blues start a bit sloppily and Gayle twice went close for the Daggers, he first put a shot inches wide before the Gills keeper made an acrobatic save to keep out a goalbound header.
However the home side finished the stronger and the second goal of the game came a minute from the end of the second period when the referee awarded a penalty following a needless push on Dack by Oluwafemi Ilesanmi.
Lee stepped up to confidently send the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Both teams made numerous changes at the second break including five new trialists for the Gills who lined up alongside Daren Hawkes, Matt Fish, Callum Davies, Jack Evans and Alex Brown.
Another familiar face was introduced by the visitors as Kevin Maher came on in midfield.
The East Londoners reserve keeper David Hogan was out quickly to deny one of the trialists before another threw himself at a cross but put his header wide. That was his last piece of action though as George Humber had to replace him after he'd landed awkwardly.
Eleven minutes from time came the third goal which was a great team effort, Hawkes, Evans, Humber and one of the other trialist's laid the ball off for another to fire home.