Gillingham’s pre-season preparations suffered a setback on Tuesday night as they were beaten 1-0 by Isthmian Premier side Chatham Town. The Gills, who finished 17th in League Two last season with 53 points from 46 games, fielded a youthful side at the Bauvill Stadium, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
What happened?
Alex Giles punished his former employers with a stunning long-range strike after 31 minutes. The Chatham striker, who turned professional at Gillingham before his release, smashed the ball past Benji Spencer from 35 yards. The goal settled the tie and handed Chatham a morale-boosting win ahead of their league campaign.
Gillingham boss Ryan Kidd named a young XI, with midfielder Nelson Khumbeni the most senior player in the starting line-up. The visitors, who beat Shrewsbury 1-0 on 2 May 2026, showed promise but lacked cutting edge in front of goal. Logan Dobbs wore the captain’s armband as the Gills probed but couldn’t find an equaliser.
Why it matters for Gillingham
The loss exposed gaps in Gillingham’s pre-season build-up. They shipped 72 goals last term and, with just 53 scored themselves, their -19 goal difference underlines the need for defensive solidity. The defeat leaves them 34 points behind Bromley in the title race and on a recent run of two wins followed by three losses.
Kidd’s side showed character in patches. Khumbeni, filling in at centre-half in earlier friendlies, reverted to midfield and tested Chatham keeper Nathan Harvey. Sulli Booth forced a fine save, while Louie Dayal headed wide and Khumbeni forced a stop from Spencer. But the Gills lacked a cutting edge, with Zack Whitelock’s late strike the closest they came.
Player focus: Nelson Khumbeni steps up
Khumbeni played 22 games for Gillingham last season and started in midfield at Chatham. The 23-year-old, who had deputised at centre-half in pre-season friendlies, dictated play and nearly forced a breakthrough. His return to his favoured role highlights Kidd’s trust in youth as the club looks to tighten up defensively.
What comes next?
Gillingham’s pre-season continues as they fine-tune ahead of the new campaign. The side, 17th in League Two last term, will hope to build on their recent two-game winning run (WWLLL) and address defensive frailties. Chatham, meanwhile, will take confidence from a bright start under new faces like Jimmy Wild and Bradley Stevenson.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 17th in League Two, 53 pts, 13W-14D-19L from 46 games, recent form WLLLD.
