Gillingham 2 Crystal Palace 3: Wilfried Zaha (2) and Christian Benteke on target for Eagles in pre-season friendly at Priestfield; Olly Lee scores twice for Gills

Olly Lee scored with a cheeky backheel and Jordan Green excelled as Gillingham enjoyed their night against Premier League Crystal Palace.

Palace had their stars on show and Wilfried Zaha scored the opener before feeding Christian Benteke for the second but it was Gills’ free transfer signing Jordan Green that dazzled in the box to produce a couple of goals for Olly Lee. Green unfortunately gave away the penalty that led to Palace’s third, fouling Zaha and he converted from the spot.

Palace named some of their big-guns for the pre-season match at Priestfield, starting with a forward line that included Benteke, Zaha and £1m striker Luke Plange. England international defender Marc Guehi also started.

If Gills wanted a warm-up for the season ahead this was it. On what was the country’s hottest day on record, the temperature inside Priestfield was still around the mid-30s when the teams kicked off.

Gillingham were without Ben Reeves and former Palace player Stuart O’Keefe but did include new left-back Ryan Law in their starting XI. Law almost created an early opening for the Gills but Scott Kashket was unable to control his inviting ball into the box.

Palace, as expected, were knocking the ball around and with 12 minutes played they took the lead, Cheye Alexander backing off as Zaha - jeered by the home fans from the first whistle - worked his way towards goal before picking out the bottom corner.

Drinks breaks were taken at 15 minute intervals, giving players a welcome breather. Gillingham barely got a touch from the first break to when the excellent Zaha picked out Benteke and he stuck in the second goal without too much fuss with 22 on the clock.

Dom Jefferies went close with an effort from outside the box for the Gills as