Jesse Starkey got his first run-out for the Gills on Tuesday in a practice match against Maidstone.

The former Brighton and Swindon midfielder was in action as a Gills XI won 6-2.

Starkey joined last week, ahead of the match against Charlton, but was an unused substitute.

He played on the left of midfield for the Gills at Beechings Cross, completing the full 90 minutes, and coach Jamie Day believes the player will give the team extra attacking options from deep.

Day said: “He came in (for training) and looked comfortable in possession, he didn’t look out of place with the boys.

“He has had some league experience and is a lad who is looking for an opportunity to get himself in the shop window and play league football. He is the type of player we need at this club, with a point to prove. Now it is down to him to take that opportunity.

“He is a midfield player who can play wide as well, good going forward and a good attacking option and he is a lefty, which we haven’t got loads of.”

Jake Hessenthaler, Darren Oldaker, Elliott List and Greg Cundle also played for the Gills.

The Gills scored five goals in the first 25 minutes, opening the scoring through Oldaker. Two goals from List, a cross/shot from Ben Chapman and penalty from Greg Cundle got the hosts off to a great start.

Youngster Miguel Scarlett scored Gills’ second penalty before the break. Stones pulled a couple back after the restart.