Gillingham have loaned young pair Dean Rance and Connor Essam to Bishop’s Stortford.

Both players have agreed one month deals with the Blue Square Bet North side.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler said: "We’ve got no reserve team this season so I think it would be good for them to go and play football in a competitive environment."

Both players agreed new one year pro deals with the Gills in the summer, but neither has played a first team match for the club.

Central defender Essam and midfielder Rance have both played on loan at Woodside Park before.

Both are expected to go straight into the new team’s squad for the opening game of the season against Colwyn Bay.

Dean Rance (above) and Connor Essam. Pic: Barry Goodwin.