Gillingham came from behind to beat Brighton's under-21s 3-2 in the Papa John’s Trophy. Lewis Walker struck to put the Gills ahead but Brighton levelled through Evan Ferguson before the break and took the lead on the hour through Todd Miller.
Walker netted his second, however, and Will Wright scored what turned out to be the winner with a precision free-kick. Referee Sam Purkiss controversially ruled out a fourth for Gills for a foul on the visiting keeper, having initially given the goal.
There were just the four changes for the Gills despite manager Neil Harris’ pre-match comments about the competition being pointless.
Regulars Mika Mandron, Robbie McKenzie and Shaun Williams all started. Injury kept a host of midfielders out of contention but there was a first return to the squad for youngster Josh Chambers since he signed a professional deal while Dom Jefferies also returned after several weeks out injured.