Chelsea 2 Gillingham 1

GILLINGHAM left Stamford Bridge last night with their pride intact and the praise of Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri ringing in their ears following a gallant display in the Worthington Cup, third round.

Ranieri, who was often in an animated state as he prowled the touchline, commented: "Gillingham were a lot more entertaining than some of the Premier clubs who come here. They made a game of it and tried hard. They were fantastic.

"But I was pleased with our performance because we were so determined not to lose on a night when other big clubs were beaten in the Worthington Cup."

Gillingham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler, had no complaints. He said: "We gave of our best and passed the ball especially well against world class players.

"I was disappointed with both their goals but then maybe I'm nit-picking because the main thing is that we weren't embarrassed and put on a decent performance."

Two goals scored by Chelsea's 18-year-old forward Carlton Cole ended Gillingham's interest in the competition. He struck in the 20th and 51st minutes to sink the Kent club who mounted a late rally with a goal from substitute Marlon King.

Attendance: 28,033.