by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham have arranged another friendly match for next week following the postponement of Tuesday’s reserve fixture.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler is keen to give the likes of Garry Richards, Andy Barcham, Simon King (pictured) and Dennis Oli time on the pitch before throwing them back into first team action.

Those players were due to face Wycombe on Tuesday night in a Combination League fixture but the game was called off because of a frozen pitch.

Hessenthaler arranged a game on Friday against Dagenham and has now set up a friendly match with John Ward’s Colchester United side on Tuesday.

The Gills boss said: "It was a massive blow to Garry Richards, Andy Barcham and King to have Tuesday’s game called off.

"I have now arranged a game against Colchester in a behind-closed-doors game, weather permitting, so we can get them some minutes on the pitch.

"We’ll keep out fingers crossed we can get them a game next Tuesday."

Also ready for a return is Curtis Weston, who could be back in training at the start of next week.