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Gillingham 1 Ipswich Town XI 1
Ipswich fought back to earn a draw with Gillingham during an entertaining pre-season test at Priestfield.
The Gills had gone ahead in the first half through Simeon Jackson but the Championship side improved after the break and levelled from the penalty spot.
Mark Stimson named a strong side to face an Ipswich XI who were themselves made up of a predominantly first team side.
An entertaining opening half saw both sides have an array of chances and Dennis Oli almost broke the deadlock for Gillingham with a low shot that struck the foot of the post.
Gills striker Jackson twice came close with rasping shots, before finally finding his range in the 38th minutes with a low strike from the edge of the area, which went in off Ipswich’s debutant keeper Richard Wright.
Unlike Gillingham’s previous three games Stimson opted to remain with the same team for the start of the second half, with only Gary Mulligan leaving the field at the break, after picking up a knock. He was replaced by Nicky Southall who was making his first appearance of the pre-season.
Tommy Miller levelled things up from the spot on 63 minutes when Simon King conceded a penalty after bringing down substitute Danny Haynes in the area.
Ipswich looked stronger in the second half and only a good block by keeper Simon Royce stopped Pim Balkestein’s effort from flying into the top corner.
Gillingham manager Mark Stimson said: “It was a fantastic game of football and it was a good evening’s work. We had to work extremely hard to contain them in the end and it was a good pre-season game.
“I knew it was going to be a different test to the previous three games but we gave it a fair crack in the first half and we went in a worthy 1-0.
“We’re not going to face teams in our league with as much pace and movement as Ipswich but it was a great test for us. It was a good work out and I’m pleased for the boys.”
Gills: Royce, Fuller, Nutter, King, Richards, Crofts, Bentley, Mulligan (Southall 46mins), Jackson, Miller (Clohessy 83mins), Oli (Lewis 70mins). Subs not used: Thurgood, Wynter, Julian.
Ipswich: R Wright, D Wright, Balkestein (Shumulikowski 75mins), McAuley, Hublik, Quinn, Garvan (Smith 59mins), Miller, Counago, Walters (Rhodes 75mins), Roberts (Haynes 59mins). Sub not used: Supple.
Attendance: 1,374.
Catch up with all the latest Gills news in Friday’s Medway Messenger.
* Stimson targets Bolton youngster - click here *
