By Matthew Panting

Gillingham striker Adam Birchall scored and was then stretchered off during the pre-season friendly win at Welling on Tuesday night.

Birchall, a half-time substitute, opened the scoring within four minutes of his introduction. But he twisted his knee and was substituted after 65 minutes to leave Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler a worried man.

"It's too early to say but it doesn't look good," admitted Hessenthaler. "He has gone home on crutches and first impression is that he has twisted the knee.

"We don't really know at the moment. It's a disappointing night for everyone if it's a bad one - we'll keep our fingers crossed for him."

Watching chairman Paul Scally went straight to the dressing room to check on Birchall after the five-figure signing from Dover came off.

Goals from Birchall, Danny Kedwell against his former club and a Ben Martin own goal sealed a 3-0 win for Gillingham.

How big a blow for Gillingham will Adam Birchall's injury be? Have your say in our comments section below.