Gillingham 1 Cambridge United 4: Jersey Mike’s Trophy group stage match at Priestfield Stadium

A stunning goal from 18-year-old Louie Dayal was the highlight for Gillingham as they lost their opening EFL Trophy match.

Dayal picked out the top corner with a first-half strike but goals from Zac Bradshaw and Pelly Mpanzu put Cambridge ahead at the break. Louis Appere added a third to extend their lead and Isaac Heath scored from the penalty spot to complete a 4-1 away win.

Gillingham were starting their challenge in the competition that will, for the next five seasons, be named after title sponsor Jersey Mike’s Subs, an American sandwich chain that are about to branch out into English high streets.

The Gills are in a group that also includes Brighton under-21s and Northampton Town. The top two teams will progress to the knockout stage, something Gillingham haven’t managed since 2020.

Manager Gareth Ainsworth made sweeping changes from the side that started the weekend match against Bristol Rovers. Defenders Logan Dobbs and Andy Smith were the only players to keep a starting place.

The nine newcomers to the team included a first appearance of the season for fit-again Ethan Coleman and full debuts for Middlesbrough loan defender Jack Daley and Millwall’s weekend star Sheldon Kendall.

Plenty of young players were on show from the off, including back-up goalkeeper Taite Holtam, Harry Webster, Michael Luxton and Dayal.

Veteran Garath McCleary started his first game of the season and skewed the age range of the starting XI that, without him included, was just 21.

There was the welcome sight of Bradley Dack on the bench - making his first appearance since the opening week of pre-season.

Cambridge boss Neil Harris, enjoying a good start to their season in League One, kept five starters from his weekend team as he went for a