Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler on the ball against Bly Picture: Peter Still

Andy Hessenthaler pulled on a Gillingham shirt once more on Tuesday night during the club’s friendly match at Bly Spartans.

Gillingham's 45-year-old manager (pictured above) lined up in midfield alongside his 17-year-old son Jake, who is a second year scholar at the club.

First team coach Nicky Southall also made an appearance in a team that was otherwise made up of youth players. The game marked the official unveiling of Bly’s new floodlights.

Bly will be playing in the newly formed Kent Invicta League this season and they won Tuesday’s match 2-0, infront of a crowd of around 300.

The scores were level at the break but a 70th minute penalty put Bly ahead as Kevin Penfold converted from the spot. Ten minutes later James Alderman doubled the advantage.

Hessenthaler senior withdrew himself from the action after 73 minutes, shortly after receiving a booking from referee Kelvin Clare, who had early dished out a long lecture to the Gills boss.

Southall (pictured right), who had been absent from Gillingham’s previous pre-season fixtures due to continuing problems with a knee injury, managed to last the whole game.