Two first-half goals prove enough for Gills to seal win on opening day.
Gills boss Steve Lovell hailed a “really good team performance” as goals from Brandon Hanlan & Josh Parker in the first half set Gillingham on their way to a comfortable 2-0 win at Accrington.
Lovell’s side made a blistering start to the campaign and could have been further ahead at the break, but after going in two goals ahead his team defended resolutely in the second period and sealed a deserved win.
After the game Steve said: “It is important for us to start well, all the games we started well in last year we went on and won. The way we start games is so important, if we start well we go on to win and the way we dictated the game.
"There was some excellent stuff being played and it was great to watch. I'm just disappointed we didn't get more than two."
New signings Hanlan, Regan Charles-Cook and Dean Parrett all impressed, and Lovell was pleased with the impression his summer signings made.
He added: “Regan (Charles-Cook) and Brandan Hanlan bring us something different; Regan in the first half was unplayable and he really made things happen for us. Regan had a field day in the first half. Dean Parrett calmed things down for us in there with Byrne and Billy (Bingham).”
Bingham was playing his first competitive fixture for 10 months following multiple injury setbacks and Lovell was pleased to have the midfielder back.
He said: “it’s great for him because he has worked hard, I’m so pleased we could get him out there today. When one door closes for Callum (Reilly) another one opens. Billy Bingham has gone in and had a magnificent game.”
Lovell provided an update on both Alex Lacey and Reilly who missed the trip to the Wham Stadium on Saturday.
“They’ve got slight injuries,” Steve said. “Alex’s was an ankle injury and Callum just felt his hamstring, so I didn’t want to risk him today, he should be alright for selection next week, so should Alex.”