Gillingham got their 2020/21 pre-season preparations underway with a convincing 2-0 victory over League Two side Colchester United on Saturday, and it was a performance manager Steve Evans was happy with.

A goal in each half, from Stuart O’Keefe and Connor Ogilvie respectively, ensured the Gills kicked off their summer with a win, but some important minutes in legs was the main achievement of the day.

The match

With no game since March, the Gillingham players would have been happy to be back in action and round up their day with a win.

New signings Ryan Jackson, Zech Medley, Jacob Mellis, Vadaine Oliver and Trae Coyle all featured from the start for the Gills, with other summer recruits Jordan Graham and Alex MacDonald appearing later in the game.

Brandon Hanlan, who is yet to accept a new contract at the club following the expiry of his deal earlier this year, is still training with the team and played the majority of the game.

Captain for the day Keefe opened the scoring in the first half, and 2019/20 ‘Player of the Year’ Ogilvie wrapped up the win in the second period after Hanlan cut back Graham’s free kick.

Graham then hit the bar with another set piece, but it was, overall, a successful first outing for the Gills.

Evans’ thoughts

Manager Evans was pleased with the day’s work following the win. He told the club’s YouTube channel: “We got what we wanted, but I do not think we started particularly well. The boys said at half time that it was strange because it is the first time we have done it with no fans, but we grew into the game. Stuart put us in front, and we were unfortunate to not be two or three up at half time.

“Second half we controlled the game, got the early goal, and then it was about who could do the minutes. We looked at the data which was live on the side and we made some changes, finishing with six or seven youngsters in the team, which is good because it gives them some experience but it shows we are light in terms of numbers. Hopefully, we will do something on Monday and in the week, but it was a good first day in terms of competitive football and we look forward to playing again."

He did admit there is work to be done, however: “We are not looking for performance because we know what the players can do. There were probably three or four out there that were just looking to improve on fitness – you look at Alex MacDonald, he has probably been to McDonald’s! But we expect that. Jordan Graham has worked incredibly hard on his physique but that is not the same as playing.

“John Akinde has done a lot of work in the summer as well but needs a little bit more. A lot of players we are looking at that side, and a lot of other players we are look at them technically, players like the [Matty] Willocks, and looking at them getting some touches again. We saw with [Jack] Tucker some sloppy bits and some good bits, but I thought he played very well with Zech Medley – the back four looked very good. But there’s lots to work on and lots of players we need to add to the group.”

Evans was managing his first game since the passing of his mother last Wednesday, and he was happy to be able to focus on football: “We have come here today and credit to everyone. It has been played competitively and in good spirit. I hate to say it, because it goes against my brain, but a good officials’ performance too!

“I have been through some difficult times in the last few days, so it was nice to wake up and drive and think football. It is what it is, but we will deal with that after Tuesday. It is great to come and be involved in football.”

Gillingham will play their second pre-season match on Tuesday. The club are not disclosing opponents in advance at the risk of spectators gathering.