Gillingham 0 Colchester 1

Gillingham trail by a single goal at half-time in their Carling Cup first round encounter against Colchester.

Matt Heath’s 10th minutes header separates the sides but the Gills will be ruing an early golden opportunity that was wasted by Mark McCammon.

The big striker was put through by Simeon Jackson in the fourth minute but McCammon, with just the keeper to beat, was denied as Dean Gerkan saved with his legs.

Heath’s goal was scored from close range after Gillingham failed to deal with Mark Yeates’ free-kick.

The goalscorer was lucky to remain on the pitch minutes later as he tugged Jackson back as the striker was free on goal. The referee played advantage, Jackson’s shot was well saved by Gerkan and the Colchester escaped punishment.

Gillingham deserved a goal and Adam Miller came close with a rasping shot that just skimmed the post.

Gills: Julian, Fuller, Nutter, King, Richards, Crofts, Bentley, Southall, Miller, McCammon, Jackson. Subs Kiely, Mulligan, Lewis, Clohessy, Oli, Mills, Berry. Attendance: 2,566