Gillingham slipped to a heavy defeat at the hands of League One leaders Portsmouth in the Football League Trophy at Fratton Park on Tuesday night. 

On the night, “all” the Gills had to show for what was a decent display was Jonny Williams’ first goal for the Club as the Fratton Park jinx struck again – it is now just two away wins in twenty-two visits to the ground with now the heaviest two defeats coming in the Football League Trophy under whatever guise the competition is held! 

In September 2018, Gillingham were beaten 4-0 in a group stage match which was the record win in games between the two clubs.

That was until, sadly for interim boss Keith Millen, Tuesday night when Pompey showed how big the gap currently is between the top of League Two and the very top of League One as they ran out five one winners. 

It was a much-changed Gills side as Millen gave Ike Orji and Matty MacArthur their first team debuts – Glenn Morris and the two Max’s (Messrs Ehmer and Clark) both started, and the visitors named a very young bench with Sam Gale, Alex Giles and Stan Skipper joining Ronald Sithole and Josh Chambers on the bench. 

In an even opening half – with chances at a premium – Morris did well early on to deny Tino Anjorin when clean through before Anjorin hooked a ball from a corner over his shoulder that left the Gills keeper rooted as the ball flew into the net. 

The Gills were though level by the break after Tom Nichols squared for Jonny Williams who beat keeper Ryan Schofield to equalise and raise hopes that this could turn into a good night for those who made the trip. 

Hopes sadly that were dashed just five minutes into the second half as Ben Stevenson’s terrific curler into the bottom corner restored the home side’s lead and set the tone for the second period.

Kusini Yengi rattled the Gills crossbar and then on fifty-four minutes, he was on the end of a free kick to power home a header.  

Jayden Clarke shot over for the Gills before Abu Kamara made it four one with eighteen minutes left shooting into the top corner giving poor Morris no chance at all. 

Morris did then make an incredible save to keep out Jack Sparkes’ cross cum shot as the keeper somehow kept the ball out as he clawed the ball away from the top corner.

Sadly, for Morris and his defenders, the resulting corner led to Pompey’s fifth as Ryler Towler prodded home. 

PORTSMOUTH – Schofield, Swanson, Raggett, Towler, Sparkes (Aston 82), Stevenson, Anjorin (Morrell H/T), Whyte, Saydee (Mottoh 81), Kamara, Yengi (Shaughnessy 63). 

Subs not used – Oluwayemi, Rafferty, Jewitt-White.

GILLINGHAM – Morris, Orji, Ehmer, Ogie (Masterson H/T), Malone (Giles 81), Clark (Skipper 75), Jonny Williams, Jefferies (Chambers 75), Macarthur, Clarke, Nichols.

Subs not used – Turner, Gale.

Referee – Mr Farai Hallam 

Attendance: 5066 (181 Gills).

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.