Manager Neil Harris has explained why he chose Jake Turner to start the new season in goal for Gillingham. Former Newcastle United goalie Turner was no.2 to player-of-the-season Glenn Morris last season but has stuck with it.
His continuing improvement led to a starting role in the season opener at Stockport on Saturday. The Gills won the game 1-0.
Turner repaid his manager with a clean sheet and a dominant display in goal, thwarting several gilt-edged chances by his presence, as Kyle Knoyle crashed an effort off the bar and Jayden Richardson hit the side-netting late on under pressure from the stopper.
There was also a super block to deny Macauley Southam-Hales in the first half from a powerful header. “It was a really tough call,” said Harris, when asked about his decision to pick between his two keepers. “I’ve got two no.1s.