Gillingham reserves were beaten 2-0 by Aldershot’s second string on Wednesday afternoon at the Recreation Ground.

Gills boss Mark Stimson used the exercise to take an close look at young defenders Callum Davies and Connor Essam (pictured).

Both could be needed in the coming weeks as Gillingham are light on defensive options in the first team.

With the transfer window shut Stimson has no other alternative but to look at what he has available in the youth ranks.

Fringe first-team players Jack Payne, James Walker, Chris Palmer and Rashid Yussuff also appeared.

Stimson also got chance to take another look at young triallists Tom Waghorn and Harry Pell.

Gills: Hawkes, Palmer, Waghorn, Davies, Essam, Yussuff, Cumbers, Payne (Benniman), Walker, Stimson (Pugh), Pell. Subs not used: Brunt, Evans.