Saturday 24 July - Pre-Season Friendly - Report by GillsConnect Man on the Terrace

After Friday night’s victory over Bishops Stortford Hess kept to his word and selected players to start the Ebbsfleet game who did not participate in that 4-1 victory. However a major disappointment for the 500 or so Gills fans at Stonebridge Road was the continued absence of new striker Cody McDonald who is still injured. Cody was in the stands watching his new teammates.

Gills: Alan Julian (Lance Cronin 83 minutes), Barry Fuller (Darren Lough 19 minutes and replaced by Josh Gowling 55 minutes), John Nutter, Tony Sinclair, Mark Bentley, Jack Payne, Curtis Weston, Danny Jackman, Stefan Payne, Andy Barcham and Chris Palmer.

Gills subs: Andy White, Luke Rooney and Connor Essam.

Ebbsfleet: Edwards, Plumaine (Sealey 49 minutes), Easton, West, Marwa, Stone, Duncan (Carew 49 minutes), Willock, Ginty, Pooley and Loraine.

Fleet Subs: Henry, Sherlock, Phipp, Simpson, Dion, Williams, and Banim.

Slow start by both teams although Gills were the first to get a shot on target via Stefan Payne that was blocked by the Fleet defence. Stefan’s determination and effort up front has been noticeable when he has been selected and he could figure in the opening League Two match of the season.

Ebbsfleet were mixing it well with the Gills but there was a distinct lack of clear-cut chances at both ends during the first ten minutes.

Then on 13 minutes the game came to life with a spectacular effort from Chris Palmer (pictured above), another Gills player impressing in these pre-season friendlies. Chris hit a great shot from fully 30 yards, which cannoned off the crossbar, hitting Edwards in the Fleet goal and bounced in. This was Chris Palmer’s fourth of the pre-season and he must be in with a great chance of starting against Cheltenham.

After 20 minutes Gills captain and right back Barry Fuller sustained a knee injury and limped off to be replaced by Newcastle youngster Darren Lough who started in the Bishops Stortford game. New signing Tony Sinclair moved to right back with the tall Darren going into the centre of Gills defence.

The Fleet were trying hard, showing plenty of determination and commitment, but not really making their mark in the game.

They did earn a couple of free kicks in decent areas that were blazed high and wide without troubling Alan Julian (right).

The game drifted toward half time with little or no clear-cut chances created by either Ebbsfleet or Gills, apart from the goal that separates the teams.

The second half started with a great chance for the Fleet. Derek Duncan made space out on the wing and sent in a beautiful cross that was met by Michael West but he headed the ball just wide of Julian’s upright.

This was followed by another Fleet chance as Tyrone Sealey put his shot just wide.

The Fleet pressure brought its reward as they scored the equalizer on 54 minutes from a good move down the left and although the cross was missed by Scott Ginty it was picked up by Callum Willock (left) who shot home from close range.

This equalizing goal brought Fleet confidence and Callum Willock had another good chance to add to his tally but screwed his shot wide when well placed. Gills were finding the going tough and required players to get tough and move things in midfield.

It was nearly 30 minutes into the second half before Gills created a worthwhile effort when Andy Barcham managed to get a shot away on target but direct into Preston Edward’s arms in the Fleet goal.

Then, on 78 minutes, against the run of play Gills scored their second goal by the hardworking Stefan Payne (left).

Chris Palmer was again involved centering the ball for Mark Bentley to head back across the face of goal and there was Stefan to finish off a very good move.

Hess sent on former Fleet goalie Lance Cronin after 83 minutes to loud applause by both sets of supporters as sub for Alan Julian.

Although Fleet kept up the pressure they couldn’t find a clear opening for a second equalizer and must rue their first half tepid performance.

Attendance 1,044