Southend United 1 Gillingham 3: Pre-season friendly from Roots Hall with two goals from Jack Nolan

Gillingham opened the scoring in their pre-season match at Southend with a controversial goal but went on to score twice more.

The linesman on the far side at Roots Hall felt Jack Nolan’s headed effort had crossed the line near the end ot the first half. While debate continued the Gills added a quick second through Jayden Clarke.

Former Gillingham striker Josh Walker got a goal back for Southend before Nolan’s deep cross crept in to re-establish a two-goal advantage.

Gillingham were again without a handful of senior players, missing Ethan Coleman, Armani Little, Jonny Williams, Elliott Nevitt, Josh Andrews and George Lapslie.

Youth players continued to make up the numbers but the starters were given an hour at Southend.

Recent addition Marcus Wyllie started upfront with Aaron Rowe operating in support with Jayden Clarke and Jack Nolan on the flanks.

National League side Southend had created several good openings against the Gills with their right-back Gus Scott-Morris putting two efforts wide of the mark.

Max Clark also headed a dangerous free-kick clear from under his own bar from Oli Coker’s free-kick.

Gillingham appeared to have a slice of fortune for the opener. Only one side of the pitch was filled with fans, and on the opposite side the linesman had his flag raised when a move from the Gills ended with Nolan hitting the woodwork before being cleared.

Instead of a free-kick, however, the referee pointed back to the centre-circle to indicate a goal, much to the surprise of most. Replays later suggested that the ball had indeed crossed the line.

The move had come about after United defender Harry Taylor had been robbed of possession by Rowe, who played in Wyllie who in turn sent McKenzie in and his cross was met by