Youth keeper Daren Hawkes made his debut for Ebbsfleet United on Saturday after Gillingham answered their plea for help.

Fleet were without regular keeper Preston Edwards through suspension and their manager, Liam Daish, asked Gillingham for assistance.

Hawkes, 17, helped Fleet to a 3-1 Blue Square Bet South win over Basingstoke.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler was glad to help Fleet and Hawkes but dismissed reports they were willing to let second choice keeper Lance Cronin out on loan to his old club.

"There is no way we could have done anything there because we only have two senior keepers," said Hessenthaler.

"Obviously Ebbsfleet would want him as he is their old player and a good keeper. It was always going to be the young lad."

Stefan Payne made his debut for Blue Square Bet South leaders Braintree on Saturday.

The young Gillingham forward has joined the Essex side on a month’s loan after growing frustrated at his lack of action at Priestfield.

Payne joined the Gills on a free transfer in the summer but has been restricted to just one start and 15 appearances off the bench.

Hess: "He has got a little frustrated at not getting on so we’ve let him go out and play a few games.

"I think he will go there and score a few goals so it’s a good opportunity for him."

Payne started for the Iron on Saturday, playing 80 minutes in their 2-0 win over Eastleigh, to maintain their eight-point lead at the top of the table.