Chatham Town 3 Gillingham 0: Kent Senior Cup second round match report from the Bauvill Stadium

A sellout crowd at Chatham Town saw Gillingham’s young side well beaten in the Kent Senior Cup second-round tie.

The Bauvill Stadium was packed, and it was the hosts who came out on top, with Kola Salami opening the scoring early in the second half, Jack Lyons scoring the second from the penalty spot and Chatham debutant Tolu Ladapo scoring a stunner to complete a 3-0 win.

Gillingham threatened in spells during the game, but Chatham were more than worthy of the win on a night when the Isthmian League club opened their doors for free, instead asking for donations to the Wisdom Hospice charity.

On a night when England were playing, fans still came out in good numbers to watch the match at Chatham, their first competitive game against the Gills in over 60 years.

Free tickets for the match were snapped up and a sellout crowd was announced inside a stadium that can hold 3,000.

The Gills opted against fielding any of their senior players, but a handful of young professionals started the game, with Harry Webster, Michael Luxton, Cruz Beszant, Louie Dayal and Sulli Booth all boasting first-team experience.

Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth and assistant Steven Craig watched on from the main stand as coach Pete Gill took charge from the dugout.

Chatham had captain Reece Butler back in the middle of defence after injury and he handled a lively Gills attack well.

Chatham were forced into an early change as Harry Lodovica limped off, replaced by Salami, a recent signing from Dover Athletic.

Sam Folarin had an early attempt at goal saved by Gills keeper Benji Spencer and put another couple of efforts over the bar. Lyons also had a shot deflected wide after running in on goal.

Thomas Silva fired wide for the Gills as the sides went into the