The big decisions went against Gillingham on Tuesday night as they were beaten by Ipswich Town in the EFL Trophy.

Joe Pigott put Ipswich ahead shortly before the interval and provided the pass for Conor Chaplin to double their advantage although both goals had more than a hint of offside about them.

There were seven changes for the Gills from the weekend and an entirely new eleven for the visitors who had the luxury of a big squad to choose from. Former Gillingham keeper Tomas Holy played as did one-time loan striker Pigott.

Gills boss Steve Evans brought Jack Tucker back in for some action while at the other end striker Charlie Kelman also got the nod to start, playing alongside John Akinde.

Victory for the Gills would have seen them qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition having won their opening group stage game against Colchester United. But it was Ipswich’s night at Priestfield and all four teams in the group now have three points from the two rounds of fixtures.

The visitors dominated on the ball in the early stages but were struggling to make it count with Pigott sending a trio of efforts into the sparsely populated Rainham End.

Stuart O’Keefe put a shot over for the Gills and Kelman had a couple of attempts blocked.

Pigott kept knocking and only a last-gasp block from Jack Tucker denied him from close range.

Holy got behind a shot from Ben Reeves and turned an Olly Lee attempt over the bar before the opening goal came at the other end.

With 43 minutes played Kayden Jackson’s low cross from the Ipswich right found Pigott, who according to the officials had stayed onside, and he finally found the target.

Gillingham had few chances of note at the start of the second half but referee Trevor Kettle waved away a couple of penalty claims just after the hour mark. Kelman was tripped by Jackson inside the area and Stuart O’Keefe also went to ground moments later but nothing was given.

Pigott turned provider for Ipswich’s second goal on 71 minutes as his ball over the top was met by Chaplin - who was well in the clear but again onside according to the officials - and he slotted home.

Kelman went close to pulling one back as he deflected the ball goalwards, needing Holy to scramble it away as it looked destined for the bottom corner.

Ipswich sub Louie Barry forced a save from Aaron Chapman and Zanda Sizibia shot wide in the latter stages but two was enough for the visitors. O'Keefe put a stoppage-time chance wide for the Gills.

Gillingham: Chapman, Akehurst, Ehmer (Lintott 60mins), Tucker, Bennett, O’Keefe, McKenzie, Lee, Reeves (Lloyd 73mins), Kelman, Akinde (Sithole 73mins). Subs not used: Cumming, Tutonda, Adshead.

Ipswich Town: Holy, Nsiala, Woolfenden, Vincent-Young, Kenlock, Harper, El Mizouni, Jackson, Chaplin (Sizibia 85mins), Edwards (Barry 73mins), Pigott (Norwood 73mins). Subs not used: Hladky, Armin, Humphreys, Yengi.

Referee: Trevor Kettle

Attendance: 1,116 (224 away)