Impressive U18's performance sees Gills overcome Exeter on penalties.
Gillingham's U18s are through to the Youth Alliance League Cup area final after overcoming Exeter City 3-1 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Craig Stone's men were on top for most of the tie in Devon but unjustly found themselves behind when a controversial penalty was awarded for a suspected push inside the box. The resulting spot kick was converted early in the second half, with Gills having had the better of the openings in the first 45; Ronnie Nelson brilliantly denied by the Exeter keeper.
The visitors didn't have to wait too long to get back on level terms; the 51st minute penalty was cancelled out by Nelson's bullet header just six minutes later. Bailey Akehurst's excellent left footed delivery was put right into the heart of the danger area, and the centre-back made no mistake from close range.
The Gills created a number of chances to win the game in normal time, with Nelson again going close, but Exeter were forced to dig deep and hold out for penalty kicks. Charlie Walker proved the hero, saving three penalties to send Stone's men, who performed brilliantly from start to finish, through to the area final against Peterborough.
F/T: Exeter 1-1 Gills (1-3 on pens)
Gills: Walker, Lintott, Carter, Nelson, Akehurst, Maher, Gale, Medhurst, Smith, Sithole, Baker-Moran.