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Saturday 2nd August – Thurrock 0 – 2 Gillingham

Friendly, 3pm

Two first half goals by Nicky Southall and Simeon Jackson were enough for League Two Gillingham to win this game which concludes pre-season for both sides.

Having endured a far from successful pre-season on the back of last seasons relegation from League One, the visitors were here to prove a point ahead of next weeks trip to Bournemouth.

The intent was clearly obvious as Gillingham almost took the lead inside 40 seconds but Jackson diverted Mark Bently’s shot wide.

However, they didn’t have to wait long to break the deadlock and in the 4th minute, Jackson laid the ball wide to Southall whose right-footed rocket beat Andrew Young at the far post.

Thurrock offered trials to potential loanee Rhys Henry from Southend, and Tuesday’s nemesis from Tilbury, Anton Stevenson, and in the 27th minute they almost made a name for themselves as Henry found Stevenson in a 1-on-1 situation with Simon Royce but ex-Southend shot stopper cleared to safety.

Nicky Green came close for Thurrock in the 38th minute with a 30 yard screamer which whistled narrowly wide. Then from the resulting goal kick, Royce’s route one punt up field found Jackson in the box who slotted home from close range.

The Fleet finally hit the target in the 55th minute as Henry beat two defenders before his shot was well saved by Royce.  In response, the visitors went close again through Bently, Andrew Crofts, and Adam Miller.

Thurrock thought they had given themselves a lifeline late on when Che Stadhart’s back heel was converted by Bai Mas Lettejallow, only to be ruled out for offside.