Stockport 0 Gillingham 1: Robbie McKenzie scored late winner in League 2 match at Edgeley Park

Gillingham opened up their League 2 season with a win after scoring late on to beat well-fancied Stockport County.

Stockport looked the more dangerous side in the second half after an encouraging first 45 from the Gills. Kyle Knoyle smashed an effort off the bar for the hosts but Robbie McKenzie pounced for Neil Harris’ side after getting on the end of a free-kick.

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Tim Dieng, Conor Masterson and Oli Hawkins were all missing for the Gills on their opening day, three players who may well have started.

One big decision the manager had pre-match was between his two senior goalkeepers. Jake Turner got the nod to play ahead of last season’s first-choice stopper Glenn Morris.

There were first league starts for Jonny Williams, Scott Malone and Shad Ogie for the Gills.

Stockport were, in Harris’ eyes, the League 2 title favourites. Like the Gills, they too enjoyed a great second half to the past campaign. County finished it at Wembley, beaten on penalties by Carlisle in the playoff final.

County had also strengthened with the likes of striker Nick Powell (Stoke) and their newly-named captain Ibou Touray (Salford) arriving to push their side on.

Fast-starting Gillingham didn’t allow the hosts to settle in the early minutes but when Stockport were able to find space on the edge of the box they looked threatening, Powell sending a shot wide across goal.

Gillingham showed their physical side early on, with Shaun Williams picking up a third-minute caution. A new appraoch by referees on toughening up on dissent also led to goalkeeper coach Deren Ibraham going in the book.

Midway through the half the game really opened up. A nice move from the Gills saw George Lapslie