Gillingham youngsters shone on Tuesday night – with a senior debut for a youth team defender.
Harry Webster impressed in pre-season with the first-team and got the nod to play against Peterborough United at Priestfield in the midweek EFL Trophy defeat.
The Gills lost 2-1 but Webster, centre-back Alex Giles and forward Joe Gbode all did themselves no harm.
Gbode provided an assist for Gillingham’s goal and on another day could have got a couple himself, proving a capable player on the right wing with a powerful performance for a 19-year-old.
Manager Mark Bonner said: “Joe Gbode had some amazing moments and turned defence into attack really well, carried the ball well, looked a real threat against the full-backs. Very good at times.
“Alex Giles had such a tough night the last time he played at Swansea (in the League Cup) and had better moments (on Tuesday).
“He got through the game with a really stiff back at times. He was really struggling from quite early but got through it. There are some good learning points in that game for him but he played well.
“He had some good stuff in the game.”
It was Webster’s first appearance in a competitive game for the first team.
“[It was an] excellent debut,” said the manager.
“[He was] really good against very, very good wingers.
“Every time he’s played he’s looked comfortable, confident, defended well, given us a threat with the ball. I really like him. He’s doing great, so really happy with that.
“Those younger boys were really good.”
Luca Ashby-Hammond, their on-loan goalkeeper from Fulham, also made his debut for the Gills.
“[I was] pleased with his performance. He made a great one versus one save before half-time, kicks the ball well, distribution’s good. Another good option for us.”
