Gills Match Reports - players.bio

Gillingham were second best to Crystal Palace under-21s at Priestfield in their EFL Trophy group-stage match.

Palace were two up at the break with goals from Jemiah Umolu and Franco Umeh before Hindolo Mustapha added a third early in the second half. Marcus Wyllie headed in a consolation for the Gills – his first as a professional – and keeper Luca Ashby-Hammond saved Asher Agbinone’s late penalty.

Gillingham had needed to avoid defeat to retain hopes of progressing from the group stage, after losing their opening match against Peterborough United at the start of the month.

With a big weekend game against Barrow on the horizon, manager Mark Bonner wasn’t taking too many chances. There were nine change to the starting eleven from the one which lined up at Notts County, with only Remeao Hutton and Armani Little retained.

Oli Hawkins played in central defence alongside Alex Giles, with Harry Webster also in the eleven at left-back, a week after signing his first professional contract. He had the tough task of trying to keep tricky wide-man Caleb Kphora quiet.

Palace were bright from the off and looked to pounce on any mistake made by the Gills, snapping up any loose balls.

Luca Ashby-Hammond replaced Glenn Morris in goal and had a busy half, called upon early to make a routine save from Justin Devenny’s free-kick.

Kporha showed neat footwork to get past a couple of challenges before Armani Little made a tackle count but when the ball broke loose Umolu could only fire wide for the visitors.

Gillingham’s best chances of the half fell for Jacob Wakeling, seeing one shot blocked well by defender Eyimose Jemide and another deflected wide later in the half.

Inbetween those chances Palace were on top. Umolu put them ahead on 25

Mark Bonner Luke Cawdell Oli Hawkins Medway Sport