In their next fixture, the Gills under 18s successfully managed to increase the gap between themselves and fourth placed Wycombe Wanderers to nine points with a 2-1 victory at Beechings Cross.

Mark Patterson's men started the game brightly and created some decent half chances. However, they managed to get the breakthrough when young forward Jack Payne and striker Jacob Arnold-Smith combined well. Payne was put through by his striker partner, had his first shot blocked but picked up on the rebound and fired passed the keeper on his second attempt. The goal was the first for Payne in a Gills shirt.

Gillingham continued to dominate and kept the ball well, despite not creating many chances. But, on 30 minutes, Wycombe were level when they won the ball on the edge of their own box and broke in numbers. Gills keeper Connor Quinn stood up well but could do nothing to prevent the ball being put past him.

However, within five minutes the Gills were back on top. Defensive midfielder Charlie Howard, who has made two first team appearances this season, received the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a brilliant half-volley that flew into the top corner.

Youth team manager, Mark Patterson was clearly delighted by his side's performance:

"I think that a 2-1 result was a fair reflection on how the game went. We put in a decent performance in the first half and did well to keep it tight in the second."

The Under-18s are next in action next weekend when they visit Peterborough. A win there would secure third spot, whilst leaving the second place to play for.

Team: Conor Quinn, Danny Walder, Rimmell Daniel, Charlie Howard ( c), Liam Wybraniec, Tom Wynter, Tayler Thomas, Jack Payne, Jacob Arnold-Smith, Luke Rooney, Rory Hill

Subtitutions: Callum Day on for Arnold-Smith