Garry Richards became the latest player to return from injury as he made a second half appearance for Gillingham in their penultimate pre-season match,

The Gills failed to get on the scoresheet in the match, played at Sittingbourne’s Bourne Park, but they did come close on numerous occasions,

The Ryman League, Premier Division newcomers, managed by former Gills pair Tim O’Shea and Neil Smith, did little to trouble keeper Lance Cronin but did give Gillingham a decent test in their latest warm-up match.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler rested much of the team which started the match against Hearts on Thursday and gave some vital minutes to the rest of his squad members.

While there was a plus, with Richards (pictured) returning to a Gillingham side for the first time since April, when he injured his ankle at Millwall, it wasn’t all good news.

Striker Andrew White limped off after 24 minutes with a hamstring strain, while Curtis Weston (ankle) and Stefan Payne (deadleg) were rested as a precaution and sat out the fixture.

With just 20 seconds gone Luke Rooney lobbed an effort just over and trialist Stanley Aborah was only denied at close range by a good save from keeper Mark Fox.

Rooney hit another shot just over on 37 minutes and just before the break Jason Norville, one of three trialists in the Gills side, fired a shot against the bar.

Also playing once more for the Gills was former Newcaslte youngster Darren Lough. He played the full 90 minutes at left-back, but looks unlikely to have his stay extended.

Hessenthaler also handed youth player Jack Evans a second half appearance at right-back, replacing player/coach Nicky Southall.

There was still no place in the squad for Cody McDonald. The striker has a bruised foot and is fighting to be ready for the start of the season.

In the second half Gillingham should have had a penalty when Jermey Williams pulled Norville down in the box and the striker was in the thick of it again just past the hour, when his header was cleared off the line by Joe Howe.

Croydon’s best effort came from former Gills man Rory Hill, but his shot from distance was comfortably claimed by Cronin.

Gills: Cronin, Southall (Evans 73mins), Lough, Sinclair (Gowling 46mins), Essam (Richards 73mins), Maher (Bentley 66mins), Rooney, Jackman (Palmer 73mins), Norville (Barcham 80mins), Aborah (Akinfenwa 66mins), White (McCammon 24mins). Subs not used: Spiller, Nutter, Julian.

Attendance: 343.

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