After a bright start from both sides it was the visitors who took the lead in the 14th minute with Simon Thomas setting up James Comley to volley a sublime effort into the roof of the net.

The opening 45 minutes were largely one way traffic with the South London side dominating proceedings although they struggled to seriously test trialist keeper Darren Behcet for long spells of the match.

However they finished the half with a flourish as James Dayton struck Behcet's left hand post with a brilliant free-kick from just outside the area.

Then moments later Palace netted their second after Nathaniel Pinney raced onto a ball over the top of defence and slotted into the corner to make it 2-0 at half time.

The Gills were made to work hard once again after the restart as their Championship opponents enjoyed the run of play, although they failed to convert their pressure into clear cut chances.

There were 86 minutes on the clock before the home side registered their first sight of goal, Josh Sargeant's deep cross found Charlie Howard in the area but the Gills skipper headed into Scott Flinders hands.

Seconds later Tom Wynter carved an opening for Tom Murphy but the young striker ballooned his shot into the Rainham End.

In the final minute of normal time James Dayton went close from another set piece, this time scooping a curling free-kick over the crossbar.

Gillingham: Darren Behcet, Oliver Bartrum, Rimmel Daniel, Connor Essam, Tom Wynter, Dean Rance (Liam Geering 45), Luke Rooney, Charlie Howard, Gary Mulligan, Charlie Stimson (Tom Murphy 58), Albert Jarrett (Josh Sargeant 73).

Subs not used: Callum Davies, Conor Quinn

Crystal Palace: Scott Flinders, Michael Abnett, Johannes Ertl, Paddy McCarthy (Jerry Nnamani 63), Matthew Parsons, Ryan Carolan, Alassane N'Diaye, James Comley (Charlie Holness 66), Nathaniel Pinney (Taurean Roberts 76), Simon Thomas, James Dayton

Subs not used: Jack Holland