Gillingham under-18s surrendered a two-goal lead as they were beaten by Sutton United in the first round of the FA Youth Cup.

Joseph Gbode and George Hutcheon put Gillingham 2-0 ahead early on but the hosts struck either side of the break to level it up before winning through in extra-time.

Incharge of the Gills under-18s was Bryan Bull as the club continue to look for a permanent replacement following Craig Stone’s recent departure.

A bright start from Gillingham’s youngsters at Gander Green Lane was rewarded with a couple of early goals.

Captain Bailey Akehurst - who has been involved with the first team this season - crossed for Gbode to head home on 15 minutes.

Just two minutes later and the young Gills doubled their advantage through Hutcheon after a ball in from Matthew MacArthur.

But Gillingham saw their lead halved after conceding in first half stoppage-time. Appeals for offside were ignored as Euan Mutale raced onto a ball over the top before finding the net.

Mutale struck again early in the second half to level it up with a header.

The tie went to extra-time and three minutes in Kai Tanner put the home side ahead for the first time after beating keeper Tommy Crump in a one-on-one situation. That goal won it for the home side.

Gillingham: Crump, Moore, Akehurst, Carter (De Wilde 46mins), Giles, MacArthur (Garrett 99mins), Sithole (Uzor-Greey 106mins), Kuhr, Gale, Hutcheon, Gbode. Subs not used: Smith, Woodliffe.