Gillingham launched their pre-season campaign with two victories in a Saturday afternoon double-header.

Adam Birchall scored twice after the break to add to first-half goals from Aaron Millbank and Bradley Dack in a 4-2 win at Faversham Town.

Boss Martin Allen made a swift exit from Salters Lane to watch Gills' second friendly - a 2-1 win against Ashford United.

Gillingham made a flying start at Homelands by taking a third-minute lead.

Charlie Allen and Joe Martin combined down the left with Myles Weston bombing on to cross low for Aiden Blanchard, who fired across Joe Mant into the far corner.

Gills regularly played through Martin and Weston during the first half, often picked out by searching balls from Leon Legge and Michael Freiter.

Allen curled an effort over from the edge of the box and Legge headed wide before trailist Tom Derry was denied by Mant after latching on to a smart pass from summer signing Amine Linganzi.

Ashford levelled on the half-hour with a terrific strike from left-back Liam Whiting.

The ball dropped 30 yards out and his first-time effort flew over trialist keeper Gowan.

Gary Mickelborough screwed an effort wide after Weston lost possession in midfield soon after.

But Gills regained the lead four minutes before the break when a short corner was played to the far post by Weston for Legge to head home.

Gills made nine half-time changes with Derry the only man to stay on.

The pace slowed although there were a couple of shaky moments at the back for Gills.

Ashford hit the woodwork after a slip by Devatne McKain, while Gowan made a double save after Jake Hessenthaler lost possession just inside his own area.

Gills line-up v Ashford: First half: Gowan, Parter, Martin, Blanchard, Legge, Frieter, Linganzi, Weston, Derry, Allen, Nyafli.

Second half: Gowan, Webster, Romeo, Dickinson, McKain, Cundle, Derry, Leonard, Whelpdale, Sellens, Hessenthaler.