National League newcomers Bromley fell to their first pre-season defeat at the hands of a very impressive looking Gills side who dominated the game for long spells and played some really nice football.
Fresh from their week away in France and having lost 6-1 to Amiens in a behind closed doors friendly on Friday night, Justin Edinburgh’s side were keen to get back to winning ways in front of their travelling fans at Hayes Lane.
Without the services of Doug Loft, Jake Hessenthaler and Cody McDonald, Gillingham took to the field with a strong starting eleven with Jordan Houghton making his debut for the club after signing on loan from Chelsea on Monday afternoon.
Justin Edinburgh’s side started the game on top with Aaron Morris and Jordan Houghton having efforts saved by Alan Julian.
The Gills eventually took the lead on 15 minutes when Ben Williamson found space and time to coolly slot the ball home past Julian.
Bradley Dack and Luke Norris went close as the visitors continued to put The Ravens under pressure and it was soon 2-0 when Dack scored a spectacular goal on 30 minutes lobbing the ball up and voleying home from 25 yards.
As the half went on the challenges got heavier from both teams with breaks for treatment and drinks slowing things down.
The final chance falling to Bromley when Alex Wall was played in one on one with Stuart Nelson, but he blazed his chance over the bar.
The second half was less frenetic, Bromley winger Louis Dennis wasted a good chance by taking too many touches and Anthony Cook was denied after a good ball from Brad Goldberg.
Dack went close twice for Gillingham, but the momentum shifted towards The Ravens after mass changes on the hour.
Goldberg went close curling a 20 yarder just over and Cook and Moses Emmanuel looked a real threat out wide.
Bromley got the goal their efforts deserved on 79 minutes when Ali Fuseini played in Goldberg who chipped the ball past Nelson for 1-2.
The Ravens couldn’t muster any more chances and it was Jermaine McGlashin who had the final shot off the game firing over in injury time.
This was a very good work out for Bromley against a side who kept the ball well and put their defence under constant pressure.
The Ravens entertain Cambridge Utd on Saturday, testing themselves against Football League opposition once again.
Bromley line up: Alan Julian (Dean Gardikiotis 77), Ugo Udoji (Paul Rogers 60), Joe Anderson (Aaron Tumya 60), Max Porter (Joe Morris 89), Lee Minshull, Jack Holland, Pierre Joseph-Dubois (Moses Emmanuel 60), Reece Prestedge (Ali Fuseini 50), Alex Wall (Ben May 60), Bradley Goldberg, Louis Dennis (Anthony Cook 60).
Sub not used: Adam Birchall
Goal: Bradley Goldberg (80)
Gillingham line up: Stuart Nelson, Ryan Jackson, Bradley Garmston, Aaron Morris (Rory Donnelly 63), Max Ehmer, John Egan, Emmanuel Osadebe, Bradley Dack (Jermaine McGlashan 82), Ben Williamson, Luke Norris (Brennan Dickenson 82), Jordan Houghton (Josh Pritchard 59).
Subs not used: Glenn Norris, Callum Davies, Mitchell Dickenson, Michael Freiter.
Goals: Ben Williamson (15), Bradley Dack (30).
Referee: Mr Nigel Lugg
Assistants: Mr Gerry Heron & Alexis Stacchini.
4th Official: Mr Peter Killip.
Attendance: 773
Pictures supplied by www.edboydenphotos.co.uk