Gillingham began their pre-season friendly fixtures in glorious sunshine as temperatures soared at the krbs Priestfield Stadium. The Gills fielded a strong starting line up and enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges with Simeon Jackson and Gary Mulligan looking particularly lively up front.

The first chance of the half came on 11 minutes as midfield anchor Kevin Maher forced James Russell to make a diving save with a drive from distance. Two minutes later a crisp passing move saw Adam Miller clean through on goal but he placed his shot just wide of the Stevenage goal

The Gills kept up the pressure with Simeon Jackson going close after 14 minutes before turning provider as his persistence down the left allowed Adam Miller to a clear site of goal, his shot was parried by Russell and Stevenage were able to scramble away the loose ball.

Gillingham's best chance of the half came on 29minutes as Gary Mulligan headed down for Andrew Crofts to shoot but his low strike hit the post and Stevenage were able to clear from the rebound. Then on 36 minutes Simeon Jackson's low effort was blocked by Russell in the Stevenage goal, Andrew Crofts collected the rebound but his deft chip drifted just over the bar.

Gillingham First Half: Simon Royce, Barry Fuller, Simon King, Garry Richards, Andrew Crofts, Gary Mulligan, Simeon Jackson, Charlie Howard, Adam Miller, Kevin Maher, Tom Wynter.

Stevenage First Half: James Russell, Lawrie Wilson, Luke Oliver, Iyseden Christie, Craig Westcarr, Elliot Buchanan, John Martin, Liam McDevitt, Tom Youngs, Scott Balderson, Peter Vincenti

For the second half both teams brought on fresh line ups with the Gills fielding a younger side whilst Stevenage opted for experience. The game instantly became a more even affair with Boro's top scorer of 2007/08 Steve Morison looking a potent threat.

The Gills created the first chance of the half on 49 minutes when a great run down the right by Dennis Oli teed up John Nutter who flashed wide of Ashley Bayes goal with a ferocious shot. But it was Stevenage who broke the deadlock on 54 minutes when Steve Morison was put through clean on goal and chipped the advancing Alan Julian to give the visitors a 1-0 lead

The goal saw Stevenage grow in confidence and they went close again through Anthony Thomas after 64 minutes. At the other end youngster Rory Hill brought a save from Bayes in the 71^st minute, he was first to react to a cleared corner but drove his powerful shot straight at the Boro keeper. Hill went close again in the 81^st minute with a low drive to the keepers right but the experienced Bayes was able turn it away at full stretch

The arrival of trialist Alistair John as a late substitute gave the Gills fresh impetus. With his first touch John crossed for Stuart Lewis to fire just wide on 84 minutes and from the resulting corner the Gills again went close as Andy Pugh's impressive volley was blocked on the line. There was one final chance for the home side in the 90th minute as Stuart Lewis came close to securing a draw with a powerful drive from the edge of the area but it sailed agonisingly over the crossbar. 

Gillingham 2^nd Half: Alan Julian, John Nutter, Stuart Lewis, Mark Bentley, Rory Hill (Alistair John 82), Stuart Thurgood, Andy Pugh, Tayler Thomas (Alex Bailey 82), Dennis Oli, Danny Walder, Leo Roget.

Stevenage 2^nd Half: Ashley Bayes, Scott Laird, Odhiambo Anaclet, Michael Bostock, Ronnie Henry, Mitchell Cole, Gary Mills, David Bridges (Jack Bradshaw 85), Daryl McMahon, Steve Morison, Anthony Thomas