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The gulf was there for everyone to see, said Gills boss Steve Evans following the big win over Faversham Town.
Gillingham beat Bostik League side Faversham 9-1 in a one-sided game at Salters Lane.
The scoreline wasn’t important to Evans, however.
He said: “It’s still about match minutes; that’s massively important and we have mixed the teams up again.
“It’s the first time the front two have played together, same with the back two and the full-backs haven’t played a game together. It was good to mix the relationships around.
“Myself and Paul (Rayner, assistant manager( wanted to develop those relationships on and off the pitch and that’s what we’re doing.
“I am really pleased, we have been in 10 days, we are going away (for a training camp) now for five or six days with no niggles and no knocks and if we can come through that the same then we will be really pleased.
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“It is tough to come through pre-season (without injuries). Before the game I had been speaking to managers up and down the country, talking about players, some have a few hammies, a few groins and calfs, but we’re great, we’ve got to this stage and there is a real buzz as we get to know them now.”
Barry Fuller did pull out of the match, after rolling his ankle as he warmed up for the fixture. The player wanted to play but Evans was taking no risks and is expecting Fuller back in for training on Monday, as normal.
Gillingham were on top throughout, with the only blip coming as the hosts scored from a corner in the second half.
It came on a pitch which was long and dry but Evans wasn’t concerned.
He said: “It was mostly flat, quite long, but that’s non-league and I have been there. It is tough for them but I think they were appreciative that we came and were appreciative before the game that I didn’t cancel it (after rescheduling much of pre-season after taking over as manager). I had no thoughts of cancelling it.
“We wanted to play in it. We (as management) have been the non-league teams playing against the big teams and it is difficult. I think they were hopeful of giving us a game this year, after it being so tight last year, but I think the gulf this year was there for everyone to see.
“We have to keep working hard, getting smarter and we are still not right in one or two positions. That is why I am still trying to strengthen the group.”
