Josh Andrews scored for Gillingham in B Team friendly against Brentford but also picked up an injury – Ethan Brierley scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw after goalkeeper Taite Holtam saved Iwan Morgan’s penalty
Published: 17:00, 20 February 2024
Updated: 09:16, 21 February 2024
Gillingham striker Josh Andrews scored on his first outing for the club - but his afternoon didn’t end well.
Recent signing Andrews appeared for the Gills’ B Team in a friendly match against Brentford B on Tuesday - his first time playing since moving from Birmingham City - but head coach Stephen Clemence revealed that he picked up another injury.
Andrews last played a competitive game while on loan at League 2 Accrington Stanley, where he suffered a hip injury. He’s now recovered from that but pulled up with a thigh muscle injury in the game against Brentford.
It’s another blow to the Gills after another of their recent signings, Jorge Hurtado, might need surgery on a knee injury.
Clemence said: “Josh played in the B Team and he scored, was playing ever so well but has pulled up with a tight thigh.
“It’s not the injury he had when he came to the club but he has tightened his thigh and he is going to get it scanned. I am hoping it’s not too bad.
“Obviously it’s another disappointing one for me and more importantly the player and I am sure the fans will be disappointed too. I am hoping it won’t be too long but that is disappointing news for everyone.”
The 6ft 5in striker opened the scoring for the Gills in the behind-closed-doors match against Brentford, which finished 1-1.
Brentford were trailing when Andrews slotted home from inside the box and they missed the chance to level when Taite Holtam saved a penalty.
The home side went close on several occasions while Matty Macarthur wasn’t far off for the Gills with a shot from distance.
Iwan Morgan hit the bar for Brentford and Ethan Brierley also struck the woodwork later in the first half.
Ashley Hay headed off the bar for the hosts in the second half and they finally levelled when Brierley scored after another chance from the penalty spot.
Clemence watched video footage of the match and the positive contribution from Andrews before his injury.
The head coach said: “He was playing ever so well and it is disappointing for the lad. He has come to a new club, he wants to get on the pitch and get to know his team-mates and that’s the best way to do it, by playing football with them.
“It is hard for him at the minute and we will have to keep him going and hopefully it isn’t too serious.”
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Luke Cawdell