On a glorious afternoon in Gravesend, a strong Gillingham XI ran out eventual winners in a testing contest against a hard working Ebbsfleet side.

Andy Hessenthaler's men lined-up in the 4-3-3 formation that worked to good effect in the midweek defeat of Peterborough, Stefan Payne leading the line with Chris Palmer and Andy Barcham supporting him on the flanks.

Jack Payne, looking very solid in the midfield holding role, fashioned the visitors first opening six minutes after kick-off. The youngster latched on to a fisted clearance and tested Preston Edwards with a looping volley from distance that unfortunately dropped the wrong side of the crossbar.

Gillingham finally took the lead in the 13 minute from a seemingly harmless position. Chris Palmer collected a loose ball in the opposition half and fired a stunning strike in off the underside of the crossbar, his fourth goal in four consecutive pre-season outings for the Gills.

Soon after Barry Fuller was forced off after taking a knock on his right knee, the Gills captain had asked to play on but lasted a matter of minutes before being replaced by Newcastle United trialist Darren Lough.

With a committed Fleet side offering little in terms of attacking threat, Gillingham pushed and probed for a further goal but their efforts were cancelled out by a no nonsense home defence.

HT 1-0

The hosts looked a far livelier prospect after the break and came close to equalising just two minutes after the interval. Willock sent Derek Duncan scampering away down the left touchline, he crossed for Michael West and the Fleet forward headed back across goal and narrowly wide of the far post.

Ebbsfleet's equaliser arrived nine minutes later as former Gill Clint Easton's cross was poorly cleared by Nutter. It fell to Scott Ginty on the edge of the box whose weak effort was stabbed home at close range by team mate Calum Willock.

The goal prompted the introduction of Josh Gowling for Darren Lough and the centre-half's arrival brought a little more composure to the Gills defence, though Ebbsfleet continued to look the more threatening of the two teams.

71 minutes were on the clock before the visitors created another chance on goal. Andy Barcham collecting Jack Payne's through ball before drawing a save from Preston Edwards with a low shot to the keeper's midriff.

The Gills switched to a more conventional 4-4-2 formation for the final 15 minutes, Barcham pairing up with Stefan Payne while Palmer switched to the right wing and Danny Jackman the left.

That move paid dividends on 78 minutes as Palmer's teasing cross from the right was met by Mark Bentley at the back post, he flicked on for Stefan Payne to nod Gillingham back into the lead, the summer signing's second goal in Gillingham colours.

John Nutter came close to adding a third in the dying moments, on a rare foray into the Fleet half, the full-back picked up the goal 30 yards out from goal and let fly with a stinging drive that Edwards did well to save, though it came at a good height for the keeper.

Attendance: 1044

Gillingham: Alan Julian (Lance Cronin 83), Barry Fuller (Darren Lough 19, Josh Gowling 54), John Nutter, Tony Sinclair, Mark Bentley, Jack Payne, Curtis Weston, Danny Jackman, Stefan Payne, Andy Barcham, Chris Palmer.

Subs not used: Andy White, Luke Rooney, Connor Essam.

Ebbsfleet United: Preston Edwards, Plumaine (Tyrone Sealey 49), Dean Pooley, Paul Lorraine, Clint Easton, Michael West, Ram Marwa, Craig Stone, Derek Duncan (Ashley Carew 49), Calum Willock, Scott Ginty (Tom Phipp 75).