Adam Birchall made his first appearance for Gillingham in the second half of the club’s narrow pre-season win over Ramsgate.

Birchall (pictured), who signed for the club from Dover the previous day, played the final 25 minutes of the match at Southwood.

The game was won by the Gills courtesy of a single goal from trialist striker Joseph Afusi.

With 68 minutes gone a blocked shot from Birchall fell kindly for Nigerian Afusi and he stabbed home.

Afusi, who has previously played top-flight Romanian football for Unirea Alba Iulia, has been on trial with Faversham Town and is expected to return there for the their game against Canterbury at Salters Lane on Saturday.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler named a less experienced side than the one who beat Erith & Belvedere 5-0 a day previously.

There was still no place in the side for captain Barry Fuller, who was expected to be making his first pre-season appearance after suffering with a knee injury.

Argentinian trialist keeper Paolo Gazzaniga started the match in goal, while youngsters Dean Rance, Tom Brunt and Callum Davies were involved.

Hessenthaler also had a chance to look at tralists Dionisis Liosatos and Matty Kosylo.