It took Gillingham just over two minutes to score on Saturday as they opened their League 2 season with a big win.

Tim Dieng gave new boss Mark Bonner and the Gills a dream start against Carlisle and a goal early in the second half from Jacob Wakeling doubled their advantage.

Carlisle got one back through Jon Mellish but a trademark finish from winger Jack Nolan and a long-range effort from Jonny Williams completed a super start to the League 2 season.

Gillingham had struggled for goals in recent seasons so it was a joy to see them score so early this time around and end the afternoon with a 4-1 victory, Nolan’s goal and Williams finish a real treat for the Priestfield fans.

Midfielder Armani Little was fit to start on Saturday as Gillingham kicked off their new season at home to Carlisle.

Gills were led out by Max Ehmer - captaining the team once again, now under new boss Bonner.

The Gills were turned around for the match, attacking the Rainham End first, and they gave the packed home end something to cheer early on, with a third-minute goal.

There was two minutes 23 seconds on the clock when Dieng stroked the ball home to get the season off to a great start after Aaron Rowe’s initial effort had been blocked.

Jack Nolan’s cross had set up the chance, visiting keeper Harry Lewis unable to hold on under pressure from Conor Masterson.

Dieng had started the new season as he ended the last. He finished the previous campaign with a goal in each of the final two games.

Gillingham had the lead but struggled to build on it. Carlisle responded and as the half wore on looked more and more likely to score.

Aaron Hayden volleyed over at the back post and Archie Davies headed wide from the same place. Mellish drove a powerful effort into the arms of Jake Turner and Josh Vela put a good chance wide.

Carlisle had 10 shots to Gillingham’s four in the half but Mellish’s was the only one to be on target.

Charlie Wyke was wasteful after a cross fell to him in the box. Max Ehmer slipped but the striker couldn’t hit the target, smashing a shot off the crossbar.

Carlisle were their own worst enemies at the start of the second half as defender Terell Thomas offered up a gift. A weak pass was pounced upon by Wakeling and the on-loan Peterborough man ran in on goal before confidently slotting the ball past the keeper.

Thomas had a chance to make amends for Carlisle from a corner but headed the chance wide.

Carlisle got back into it through Mellish on 65 minutes, a shot that wasn’t hit particularly cleanly but it was one that crept past Turner after they had built an opening from a free-kick midway inside Gills’ half.

Carlisle substitute Dan Butterworth went close from a free-kick that he bent just wide of the post.

Nolan was left frustrated along with the Priestfield crowd as a move broke down when Robbie McKenzie failed to spot him with half the pitch to himself as the Gills looked to break. Moments later he took it all on himself.

Nolan came to Priestfield with a reputation built at Accrington last season of taking defenders on and making things happen. He got the crowd off their feet after skipping past a defender, running in at goal and finding the roof of the the net with a powerful strike.

He almost got another, with a shot deflected wide and another blocked by a defender after he had beaten the keeper.

Gillingham substitute Williams rounded off the scoring with a great strike with three minutes left. A free-kick was headed clear and the Gills man picked his spot, scoring from 25 yards.

Gillingham: Turner, Hutton, Clark, Masterson (Ogie 81mins), Ehmer, Little, McKenzie, Dieng (J Williams 51mins), Rowe (Clarke 70mins), Nolan, Wakeling (Gbode 70mins). Subs not used: Morris, Hawkins, E Williams.

Carlisle: Lewis, Davies, Thomas, Hayden, Wyke (Kelly 89mins), Adu-Adjei (Armstrong 89mins), Vela, Neal, Williams, Mellish, Barclay (Butterworth 61mins). Subs not used: Breeze, Lavelle, Ellis, Allan.

Referee: Ben Atkinson

Attendance: 7,037 (533 away)