Gillingham 1 - 0 Oxford United

MATT JARVIS fired Gills into the second round of the Carling Cup with a late strike to deny Oxford at Priestfield on Tuesday.

Jarvis struck in the 83rd minute after the ball was laid off by Darren Byfield, with the winger striking a sweet shot under the visitors’ keeper.

Gillingham were aiming to make amends for last season’s League Cup efforts, which had seen them lose 2-1 to Northampton at Priestfield and manager Neale Cooper named a strong team, as they faced their League 2 opponents.

The only change to the team from Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth was the return of striker Darren Byfield – back from suspension – who replaced Andy Hessenthaler, who was rested.

An entertaining first half saw good chances for both sides, with Jason Brown twice making important blocks to deny Rob Hughes and Matt Robinson.

Oxford’s Jude Stirling twice came close to heading into his own net, while Jarvis fired a shot inches wide in the latter stages of the first half.

Brown was again needed in the second half as he saved at the feet of Craig Davies when clean through.

Gills improved as the half went on and had several efforts that went close, before Jarvis broke away to settle the tie late on.

Gillingham: Brown, Cox, Crofts, Flynn, Jackman, Rose, Hope, Byfield, Jarvis, Pouton (Hessenthaler 60), Claridge (Sancho 90). Subs Not Used: Knowles, Corneille, Shields.

Attendance: 4,149.

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