Gillingham’s poor record in the Football League Trophy continued as their Valley jinx struck yet again as Charlton Athletic put themselves in pole position for qualification to the knockout stages.

Boss Neil Harris will know that whilst his “fringe” players earned valuable playing time, the way that his side yet again succumbed to defeat remains his number one concern with the final whistle coming just twenty-six hours before the summer transfer window slams tightly shut until after Christmas.

Shaun Williams and Dom Jeffries both got much needed time in their legs though if Saturday’s visitors to Priestfield (Swindon Town) would have gained anything from this contest, it wouldn’t have been very much.

Alex MacDonald went close with an early effort for the Gills – shooting just wide – before disaster struck on fifteen minutes when Lewis Walker netted his first goal in Gillingham colours – sadly, past Gills keeper Jake Turner – as he attempted to clear a corner.

The lead was doubled seven minutes after the break – Turner made a great save from a free kick, and as the home side won possession back, Aaron Henry drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the Gillingham net… really tough on the Gills stopper after an excellent first save!

The game was as good as over moments later when Turner was left rooted as Kyle Leaburn added Charlton’s third to seal the home side’s biggest win at the Valley over the Gills since 1926…

Not even a triple half time change could inspire the Gills and the faithful who had made the short trip to be part of the 1,900 crowd – which looked lost in the Valley – were left to ponder and hope that the manager could pull a rabbit out of the transfer hat before the window closes and the “old enemy” from Wiltshire come calling at the weekend…

CHARLTON ATHLETIC – Harness, O’Connor (Dench 67), Barker, Ness, Chin (Bakrin 81), Payne, Henry (Williams 82), Forster-Caskey, Jaiyesimi, Leaburn (Ladapo 85), Kanu (Campbell 66).

Subs not used – Ahmed Kone, Karoy Anderson.

Goals: Walker (og 15), Henry (52), Leaburn (59).

Booked: Dench (75).

GILLINGHAM – Turner, Alexander, Wright, Baggott, Law, Williams (Jefferies H/T), MacDonald, Lee (Tutonda 63), Kashket (Mandron H/T), Adelakun (Reeves H/T), Walker.

Subs not used – Morris, Ehmer, Green.

REFEREE – Mr Sunny Gill

Attendance: 1888 (154 Gills).