Gillingham started their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win at Colchester.

Stuart O’Keefe and Connor Oglivie struck in yesterday’s friendly win in Essex while manager Steve Evans took the chance to look at a number of summer signings.

They included Ryan Jackson, making a quick return to his old club, along with Arsenal loanees Zech Medley and Trae Coyle, and there were also starts for Jacob Mellis and Vadaine Oliver.

The Gills went in front on 21 minutes when Brandon Hanlan found space and teed up O’Keefe, who drove the ball past Dean Gerken.

Two more summer recruits were introduced for the second half in Jordan Graham and Alex MacDonald, with Henry Woods and John Akinde also given a run-out as Evans made four changes.

Gillingham took control and soon doubled their lead when Hanlan, with his second assist, played the ball into the path of Ogilvie and the Gills defender fired home.

Graham - back on a permanent deal following a loan spell from Wolves - hit the bar from a free-kick as the visitors went close again.

Colchester had a couple of chances but failed to test either Jack Bonham or his replacement, Joe Walsh.

Gillingham: Bonham (Walsh 84mins), Jackson (Baker 81mins), Ogilvie, Tucker, Medley (Nelson 89mins), O’Keefe (Medhurst 81mins), Willock (Woods 46mins), Mellis (MacDonald 46mins), Hanlan (Bancroft 72mins), Coyle (Graham 46mins), Oliver (Akinde 46mins).

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