GILLINGHAM were just seconds away from claiming a win over Dutch first division side Willem II at Priestfield on Wednesday night.

Willem II needed an injury time goal to level the pre-season friendly after Patrick Agyemang’s solitary strike looked to have settled the tie.

The Dutch side, who finished seventh in the Dutch top-flight last season, provided tough opposition for the Gills.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler had indicated that the final two friendlies may provide a clue to the line-up which starts at Ipswich next weekend.

And it was a strong team that took to the field, hoping to maintain an impressive pre-season run, that has only seen one defeat so far during the youth side’s run-out against Welling on Monday.

Their European challengers were in the middle of a mini tour of the country that had already seen them draw one all against Grimsby Town, and they now head off for a tie against Rushden & Diamonds.

Willem had the opening chance of the match when Marko Kolsi hit a shot wide following good work from former Ipswich player Martin Reuser.

Gillingham striker Iwan Roberts was making his home debut and nearly got his side off to a good start as he came close with couple of headers in the opening half.

Oscar Moens was on hand to deny Gills scoring as he blocked a powerful effort from Nyron Nosworthy just as half-time approached.

Gills were under pressure in the second period and nearly found the opener as John Hills saw his free-kick hit the woodwork.

The lead did eventually come in the second half as Patrick Agyemang grabbed his second goal of the week when he headed home Matt Bodkin’s cross.

Willem continued to have chances in the half, and in injury time they finally found the equaliser as Frank Van Mosselveld turned in Sven Delanoy’s right wing cross.

Team: Banks (Bossu 65), Nosworthy, Hills (Rose 76), Cox (L Johnson 45), Hope (Beckwith 76), Smith (Hessenthaler 72), Spiller (Perpetuini 65), Saunders (Crofts 72), Roberts (Sidibe 45), Jarvis (Bodkin 45), Agyemang (T Johnson 56).