Gillingham’s reserve side suffered a heavy defeat at Brentford on Tuesday afternoon.

The hosts scored all four goals in the opening half and hit the woodwork three times in the second half.

The Gills’ only consolation in the 4-1 defeat was another goal from Luke Rooney, which also came during a frantic first 45 minutes.

Gillingham had named a strong team for their penultimate Combination League fixture and included a pair of on-trial full-backs.

Playing 90 minutes on the left was Joe Carter, who was recently released by Charlton, while taking the right-back role was former Dagenham youngster Matt Pooley. He was replaced midway through the second half.

There was a further blow on the injury-front for Dennis Oli (pictured), who for the second reserve match running limped off injured, this time witha knee injury. Young defender Alex Brown was also replaced at the break after picking up a knock.

More positive news was the sight of Tony Sinclair and Danny Jackman, who were both stepping up their fitness after recovering from injury.

Goalkeeper Lance Cronin also returned to the goal, after earlier fears that he had picked up measles proving unfounded.

The two trialists were 18-year-old Carter, who had been with Charlton since the age of nine but after completing his scholarship the Championship side have decided to let him go. He will be a free agent in the summer and is already looking for a club.

Pooley has most recently been on the books of Glenn Hoddle’s academy in Spain.

Daren Hawkes was on the bench as a back-up keeper and had a busy day, as he also kept the bench warm for Ebbsfleet in their Blue Square Bet match at Staines on Tuesday night.

Gillingham are leaving the Combination League at the end of this season and play their final reserve match on Wednesday (April 13) at Crawley Town.

Gills: Cronin, Pooley (Davies 68mins), Carter, A Brown (Brunt 46mins), King, Sinclair, Jackman, White, Oli (Benniman 55mins), S Payne, Rooney. Subs: J Brown, Hawkes.