Gillingham have had to cancel their friendly match against Colchester because of a waterlogged pitch.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler was hoping to use the fixture to give several squad members some much-needed game time.

The likes of Garry Richards, Simon King, Luke Rooney, Stefan Payne and Mark Bentley could all have been involved.

Gillingham are without a reserve match for the rest of this month but after this weekend have three consecutive Tuesday night matches.

Jack Payne (pictured) was also pencilled in for a run-out after returning to training at the end of last week after a couple of months on the sidelines injured.

The game was due to be played at Maldon's Park Drive ground but heavy rain has left the pitch unplayable.