There was no giant killing joy for the Gills on Sunday night as they faced a different kind of challenge.

They joined 128 other teams in signing up to the FIFA 20 online video game tournament but were eliminated by Newcastle United.

An Andy Carroll hat-trick fired United to a 3-0 first round win.

Gillingham were taking part in the #UltimateQuaranTeam competition, organised by the media team at League 2 Leyton Orient.

Chicago-based Gills fan Ben Wainwright, a full-time football coach, was representing the Blues but he faced a major challenge, up against an e-sports pro representing the Geordies.

Carroll put Newcastle a goal infront at 'St James’ Park' and then added two more in the second half.

The Gills didn’t manage a goal but they played well, with three of their shots on target. Newcastle were deserving winners though in the end, progressing through to the next round.

Ben said on twitter: “Felt like we had a decent first half, legs tired towards the end but we kept fighting. It was an honour to represent The Gills for #UltimateQuaranTeam.

“All credit to Newcastle and @PlanetToast1 who showed their professional class.”

Wainwright is a coach in the US for FC Lake County, teaching children from under-8s all the way to high school.

He said: “I’ve supported Gills since growing up on Redfern Avenue, right next to the stadium. My first game was at Wembley in 1999.”

Ben moved to the States to be with his now wife but remains a big fan of the Gills, watching every game online.

Tournament organisers Orient are hoping to raise £100,000 for charity and are halfway there. 75% of the money raised will be given to the English Football League, the remaining 25% will be split between EFL's chosen charity MIND and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fundraiser by WHO. Donate here.

Gillingham's real life players are training from home as the game is currently suspended until the end of April, at the earliest, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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