Ipswich score twice in both halves at Portman Road to win group stage fixture.
Gillingham suffered the second defeat of their Leasing.com Trophy campaign at the hands of in-form Ipswich Town on Tuesday evening at Portman Road.
The much changed Gills side went into the break 2-0 down, with goals from Emyr Huws and Jordan Roberts. The away side put in a better display in the second half, further goals from Will Keane, and an own goal from Bradley Garmston ensured that the Gills are out of the competition at the group stage after a 4-0 loss.
Gillingham manager Steve Evans made a host of changes from the side that beat Southend United 3-1 at Priestfield on Saturday. Connor Ogilvie was the only man who retained his place in the starting XI, while Henry Woods made his first start for the Gills in the midfield.
It was Ipswich who went ahead inside the opening ten minutes, as Idris El Mizouni set up Emyr Huws outside the box, and his short found the bottom corner to make it 1-0. Huws had another go from range a few minutes later, but this time it was easy enough for Joe Walsh in the Gills goal.
After 20 minutes, the hosts doubled their lead. A shot from El Mizouni broke to Jordan Roberts inside the penalty area, and he fired into the corner to make it 2-0. The Gills’ first real opening came when Lee Hodson, captaining the side on the night, crossed for Mikael Mandron, but Town ‘keeper Will Norris did well to intercept the cross.
H/T:- Ipswich Town 2-0 Gillingham
Ipswich had the first chance of the half as substitute Armando Dobra slipped in Danny Rowe on the left, but Walsh closed down well and saved with his legs. Moments later they came close again. Dobra this time found El Mizouni, whose shot deflected just over the bar.
Gillingham’s first effort of the half came from Henry Woods, who dragged his shot just wide of the post after being set up by Ben Pringle.
After 61 minutes, Ipswich had their third. El Mizouni’s corner appeared to hit Bradley Garmston in the six-yard box, and deflected into the net to make it 3-0.
With just over 20 minutes to go, Gillingham manager Steve Evans made a double change, with Alex Jakubiak and Olly Lee coming on to replace Regan Charles-Cook and Mikael Mandron.
Substitute Gwion Edwards looked to add a fourth from range with ten minutes left, but Walsh got down well to save. The hosts did add another with just a few minutes to go, as Will Keane went clear on goal, and slotted into the corner for 4-0.
F/T: Ipswich Town 4-0 Gillingham
The Gills play their final game in the competition against Tottenham Hotspur U21 at Priestfield on November 12.
Ipswich Town: Norris, Woolfenden, Nsiala, Wilson (Wilson 79), Donacien (Edwards 46), El Mizouni, Huws, Kenlock, Rowe, Roberts (Dobra 46), Keane
Unused subs: Wright, McGavin, Clements, Simpson
Gillingham: Walsh, Hodson, Tucker, Ogilvie, Garmston, Pringle, Cisse, Woods, Marshall, Charles-Cook (Jakubiak 68), Mandron (Lee 68)
Unused subs: Bonham, O’Keefe, Ehmer, Ndjoli, O’Connor
Referee: Mr T Nield