Gillingham 0 Colchester 1

Gillingham were dumped out of the Carling Cup at the first round stage after a single goal defeat to Colchester on Tuesday.

Matt Heath?s 10th-minute header separated 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 man escaped punishment.

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

With over an hour gone the Gills were still behind and manager Mark Stimson changed his forward line around with a triple substitution, bringing on Tyrone Berry, Dennis Oli and Gary Mulligan.

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Despite the changes Gillingham were unable to get back into the match and Alan Julian had to keep the home side in the game with a fine reflex save from Kemal Izzet after 74 minutes.

Gills? closest effort of the second half came from Jackson as he combined well with Mulligan but shot wide.

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson said: ?I would love to have been sat here saying ?I would love to draw Chelsea? but the cup competition is gone now.

?Realistically were we going to win the League Cup? No. But we know it?s great to pull the big clubs as the finances are massive.

?Now we?ll have to just concentrate on our league form.?

Gills: Julian, Fuller, Nutter, King, Richards, Crofts, Bentley, Southall (Berry 63mins), Miller (Oli 63mins), McCammon (Mulligan 63mins), Jackson. Subs not used: Kiely, Lewis, Clohessy, Mills. Attendance: 2,566

* Gills boss still keen to trim squad - click here *

* Gills v Colchester - in pictures - click here *

* Gills v Colchester - post-match press conference audio - click here *

* Julian happy with debut display - audio - click here *