Jim Magilton brought a strong Ipswich side to krbs Priestfield whilst Mark Stimson named the starting 11 which he felt had best performed in the Gills opening fixtures.

After featuring as a make shift centre half, in the first three games, Mark Bentley returned to a midfield role, partnering captain Andrew Crofts. Meanwhile Adam Miller switched to the left flank with Dennis Oli moving over to the right side.

In a fairly even first half Gillingham enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges. On 7 minutes Adam Miller created the games first chance. After reaching the touchline, his cross from the left found Simeon Jackson whose near post header flashed just wide.

Skipper Andrew Crofts went close on 17 minutes, collecting a lay off from Mark Bentley and his powerful effort shaved the visitor's crossbar.

Crofts again came close to scoring in the 21st minute, striking the woodwork with a low effort that had Richard Wright beaten.

Ipswich had their best chance moments later with Jonathan Walters fashioning an opportunity from nothing. He found himself in space on the right side of midfield and let fly from distance forcing Simon Royce to make an acrobatic save.

On 33 minutes the Gills again went close, Dennis Oli showed good persistence to lay on a chance for Simeon Jackson but he couldn't direct his fearsome effort goal-wards.

It was the lively Jackson who opened the scoring in the 38th minute. He collected a lay off from strike-partner Gary Mulligan and ghosted in from the left to beat Richard Wright at the near post with a low shot.

The Gills made one change at half time with Nicky Southall coming on for Gary Mulligan. Stimson reshuffled his pack with Dennis Oli moving up front and Southall slotting in on the right side of midfield.

Ipswich carved out the first clear cut chance of the half on 55 minutes. Jonathan Walters crossed from the left wing for Pablo Counago who drove his effort into the side netting.

At the other end Mark Bentley came close for the Gills with a powerful volley from the edge of the area but it flashed narrowly over the cross bar.

The visitor's equaliser came in the 62^nd minute as Simon King tripped Danny Haynes in the area to concede a penalty, Tommy Miller stepped up to slot home with Royce diving the wrong way.

Ipswich nearly claimed a 2^nd on 69 minutes when new signing Pim Balkestein beat Simeon Jackson to a loose clearance and unleashed a fierce drive.Gills No 1 Simon Royce needed quick reactions to block his goal bound effort.

There were few chances of note in the latter stages. Both sides made multiple changes which disrupted the momentum of play.

At the final whistle the Gills received a warm ovation from the home crowd and Manager Mark Stimson is sure to be pleased with his sides confident showing.

Attendance 1,374

Gillingham: Simon Royce, Barry Fuller, John Nutter, Simon King, Garry Richards, Andrew Crofts (c), Mark Bentley, Gary Mulligan (45 Nicky Southall), Simeon Jackson, Adam Miller (83 Sean Clohessy), Dennis Oli (69 Stuart Lewis)

Unused Subs - Stuart Thurgood, Tom Wynter, Alan Julian

Ipswich: Richard Wright, David Wright, Pim Balkestein (75 Veliche Shumulikowski), Gareth McAuley, Roman Hubnik, Alan Quinn, Owen Garvan (59 Tommy Smith), Tommy Miller, Pablo Counago, Jonathan Walters (75 Jordan Rhodes), Gary Roberts (59 Danny Haynes)

Unused Subs -Shane Supple