Mark Stimson named a very strong starting line-up for the Gills final pre-season outing against Blue Square South Thurrock. Summer signing Mark McCammon made his long awaited debut alongside Simeon Jackson in attack. Nigerian Centre-Back Bobsam Elejiko, who featured in Wednesday's match with Aveley, partnered Simon King at the heart of defence. Also Nicky Southall returned on the right side of midfield, after shaking off a groin injury.

The Gills dominated the first half and could have taken the lead as early as the opening minute. Mark Bentley let fly with a long range drive which deflected off Simeon Jackson and was diverted just wide of the far post. The deadlock was broken in the 4^th minute as Nicky Southall collected a Mark Bentley lay-off on the right of the Thurrock area and drilled his shot high into the far corner.

Andrew Crofts went close in the 15th minute, set up by Nicky Southall, he fired a low drive wide of the post. The home side's best chance came in the 28^th minute when Anton Stevenson raced on to a ball over the top of the Gills defence. Fortunately Simon Royce was quick off the blocks and sprinted out to the edge of his area to clear at the forwards feet.

John Nutter had a chance from a free-kick in the 31^st minute after Mark McCammon was brought down on the edge of the area. His powerful left foot effort sailed just over the crossbar. The Gills second goal arrived in the 39^th minute courtesy of Simeon Jackson, he chased on to a long clearance from defence and hooked his shoot pass the keeper at the near post.

At half time Mark Stimson made one change bringing Gary Mulligan on for McCammon with a view to protecting his target man ahead of next week's League opener with Bournemouth. The Gills continued to control the game and were unlucky not to score a third in the 54^th minute. Mark Bentley's played a one two on the edge of the area with Gary Mulligan but shot straight at the keeper.

Moments later, Adam Miller went close with a snap shot from the edge of the area which had Thurrock keeper Andrew Young scrambling to push it around the post.

Gary Mulligan was unlucky not to get on the score sheet in the 64^th minute. He picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area, drew the keeper, but placed his effort just wide of the far post. Moments later, from an identical position, Simeon Jackson struck the right hand upright.

Mark Stimson will be doubless be pleased with his sides confident performance ahead of next week's trip to Bournemouth

Gillingham: Simon Royce, Barry Fuller, John Nutter, Bobsam Elejiko, Simon King, Nicky Southall (74 Tyrone Berry), Adam Miller, Andrew Crofts, Mark Bentley, Mark McCammon (45 Gary Mulligan), Simeon Jackson.

Thurrock: Andrew Young, Kenny Clark, Phil Anderson, Jake Gilbert, Matt Paine, Bia Mas Lettejallow, Rhys Henry, Nicky Green, Che Stadhart, Anton Stevenson (75 Danny Lodge), Alex Read.