Gillingham B Team lose 5-1 at West Ham in a friendly at the London side’s training ground | Ben Reeves in the Gills starting XI

Gillingham handed former player Ben Reeves a place in the B Team starting XI on Tuesday.

The Gills had a team in action against a West Ham XI in a behind closed doors friendly, which resulted in a 5-1 win for the London side at their training ground.

Reeves, 31, last played for the Gills on Boxing Day, 2022, in a 1-0 home defeat against Colchester United. He played 48 games for the Gills, almost half of those coming from the bench.

His season was ended by the knee injury picked up in that festive fixture, and he’s remained at that the Gills during his rehabilitation process, after his contract expired in the summer.

Reeves was the only experienced player in the team which played the Hammers as the first team remained training at Beechings Cross.

His appearance is another step forward in his return from injury, and a potential move to a new club. The Gills appear to be well-stocked in attacking midfield options.

Joe Gbode, who is back from a recent loan at Maidstone, was among the starters, along with Matty Macarthur and Ike Orji who have both been around the first team recently.