Youth team put in strong display to earn a 1-1 draw at Ramsgate.
The Gills youth team put in a committed display to earn a 1-1 draw with Ramsgate in a midweek friendly at the Southwood Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Craig Stone took charge of the fixture ahead of the squad's Youth Alliance League Cup semi-final away to Exeter this Saturday, with Ronny Nelson starting in the centre of defence. A number of former Gills players were in action for the opposition with Danny Divine, Ashley Miller and Emmanuel Fernandez all getting minutes.
The hosts took the lead early on when a clearance from Freddie Carter struck the back of another player inside the penalty area, and Rory Smith was in the right place at the right time to strike the loose ball beyond the reach of Charlie Walker.
The visitors responded well though and equalised when a terrific left footed free-kick from Bailey Akehurst was headed home by Toby Bancroft. George Baker-Moran nearly increased the advantage but, having dispossessed the goalkeeper, he was unable to produce the space to find the target.
The second half produced few clear cut chances, but Gillingham nearly won it at the death when a low cross from sub, Harvey Lintott, was prodded narrowly wide of the goal from a Ramsgate defender.
F/T: Ramsgate 1-1 Gillingham
Gills starting XI: Walker, Trailist, Nelson, Carter, Akehurst, Maher, Bancroft, Chambers, Medhurst, Sithole, Baker-Moran.