Bournemouth 1 Gillingham 0

GILLINGHAM kick-off their League 1 campaign with a single goal defeat at Bournemouth.

Former England international Darren Anderton’s first half goal separated the sides at a rain-swept Dean Court.

Gillingham had a number of good chances in the opening half with striker Simeon Jackson having a trio of chances.

Jackson’s best effort came in the 32nd minute when he did well to lose marker Jason Pearce but put his shot wide. Fellow front man Mark McCammon forced keeper Shwan Jalal into making a save after heading John Nutter’s cross goal-bound.

Despite Gills’ pressure Darren Anderton handed the home side the advantage, with just three minutes left, as he side-stepped Simon King and shot past Simon Royce.

Gillingham went looking for the equaliser at the start of the second half and came close with a headed effort from Mark Bentley and a shot from Jackson.

The Gills kept the pressure on but were unable to break through.

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Gills: Royce, Fuller, Nutter, King, Richards, Crofts, Bentley, Jackson, Miller (Mulligan 87mins), Weston (Berry 66mins), McCammon. Subs not used: Clohessy, Julian, Mills.