Champions Gillingham finished their League 2 season with a defeat in Burton.

A young Gills team took an early lead when Myles Weston (pictured) scored from the penalty spot but Burton netted twice in the opening half to turn the game around.

Substitute Calvin Zola added a third within seconds of coming on but Nathan Nyafli replied moments later – netting his first senior goal on his debut.

Gillingham manager Martin Allen, as expected, named a much changed side for the game against Burton, with four teenagers starting the match and three of those making their debut.

Mahlon Romeo, Sam Muggleton and Harry Grant all made their first appearance for the Gills, while the bench was made up predominantly by the club’s development squad players.

The Gills were backed by 1,651 supporters and their entire squad, as all of the senior players watched from the sidelines. They were sat among the visiting fans. And they saw the visitors make a good start to the match at the Pirelli Stadium.

Gillingham’s opening goal may have come from the penalty spot but it was a goal they deserved. Bradley Dack was fouled by Aaron Webster and Weston stepped up to convert from the spot after just nine minutes.

Weston put another effort over the bar and Steve Gregory did likewise.

Dack’s involvement ended just before the half hour mark, as he was helped off the pitch with a foot injury.

The final 15 minutes of the half saw Burton come alive and they levelled when Billy Kee was first to react from a shot from Jimmy Phillips and as it bounced off the post he was on hand to head it home.

Five minutes before the break and they took the lead. Phillips crossed from the left and Symes had a simple finish from close range. The half ended with Burton on top, although Kane Haysman did test the home keeper with a shot from distance.

Right at the start of the second half Charlie Allen was denied by a great reflex save from close-range.

Burton brought on big and experienced striker Zola shortly after the hour mark and he made an instant impact. Phillips teed up a cross and the home striker headed home with 64 minutes gone.

Three minutes later and the Gills made it 3-2. The teenager Muggleton referred to by manager Allan as “the weapon” delivered with a long throw and Nyafli – who had only just come on as sub himself – smashed the ball home.

Keeper Tommy Forecast twice made good saves to deny Phillips inbetween a chance for Zola, who hit the post, while Nyafli fired at the keeper after beating the full-back.

Gillingham: Forecast, Romeo, Muggleton, Frampton, Davies, Gregory, Allen, Dack (Haysman 26mins (Nyafli 64mins)), Grant (McKain 81mins), Birchall, Weston. Subs: Nelson, Kedwell, Hessenthaler, Hare.

Burton: Tomlinson, Webster, Diamond, McGrath, Fowler (Palmer 67mins), Phillips (Corbett 80mins), O’Connor, Holness, Drury, Kee (Zola 62mins), Symes. Subs: Stanton Lyness, Paterson, MacDonald.

Attendance: 5,426