Coach Steve Lovell felt that Gillingham were worthy winners in Tuesday night’s Kent Reliance Senior Cup tie.

The Gills twice went ahead but Bostik South opponents Phoenix Sports cancelled out both goals, to send the tie to a penalty shoot-out.

It took 20 penalties to finally settle the match, with second year scholar Jack Conway scoring the crucial spot-kick.

Report: Phoenix Sports 2 Gillingham 2 (Gills win on penalties)

“It was a good game, all the way through,” Lovell said. “They gave us a good game, they were competitive, fit and quite well organised. It was a tough game.

“We had a lot of youngsters and it was good for them. A couple of boys had a good work out, it was a good evening and nice to get through.”

Jesse Starkey and Darren Oldaker found the net for Gills and Lovell added: “They were good goals and the boys created a lot of chances, especially second half.

“We went 2-1 up and we could have had a few more. Fair play to them, they had a go, scored right at the end and took it to penalties.

“Jack (Conway) got the last one but I had a go at him because Ryan Huckle took one before him. I don’t know about a centre-half taking a penalty before a forward! But it is a good experience for the boys.”