Gillingham had to settle for a goal-less draw as pre-season came home for the first time this summer as Priestfield hosted its first, first team fixture against Cambridge United for nearly six months.
Incredibly it was February 29th since there was first team action at home base – a small matter of 178 days since what proved to be the final home game of last season.
In a game totally spoiled by the weather and “Storm Francis”, both sides struggled and had to settle for game time rather than troubling the scorers.
Although the Gills thought they’d won the game when Trey Coyle had the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time, only to be denied by an assistants flag.
Half time sub Stuart O’Keefe had a header well saved by Cambridge keeper Burton after getting on the end of Jordan Graham’s cross.
Whilst at the other end, Gills keeper Jack Bonham was relieved to see Digby’s free header clear the bar when the Cambridge man should and could have done better.
Steve Evans began the game with three central defenders before swapping to a back four at half time.
The manager will see this as a vital exercise as the squad look for all important game time as the build up to the big kick off gathers pace with a trip up the A2 to face Leyton Orient on Saturday next up for the Gills.
Gillingham: Bonham, Jackson, Ogilvie (O’Keefe 45), Tucker, Medley, Willock (Mellis 70), Dempsey (Woods 75), Graham (Macdonald 65), Coyle (Hanlan 65), Mckenzie, Oliver (Akinde 65).
Image courtesy of Gillingham FC