Gillingham vs Charlton

The first half was a quiet, tactical affair typical of pre-season. Charlton controlled possession but struggled to break down a Gillingham side that, despite missing eight senior players, held firm. The hosts' best chance came when Robbie McKenzie's speculative effort took a wicked deflection, nearly catching out Charlton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski, who recovered well to make the save (KentOnline).

Charlton were forced into an early change when Charlie Kelman went down with a knock on 27 minutes, replaced by Daniel Kanu. As the half progressed, the away side grew into the game. Youngster Ibrahim Fullah was particularly lively, forcing two saves from Gillingham goalkeeper Taite Holtam — first with a curling effort from the edge of the box, then with a cross-turned-shot from the right (CAFC).

Nathan Jones made two changes at the break — Tiernan Brooks replaced Kaminski in goal, and a trialist came on for Fullah. The hour-mark brought wholesale changes from both benches. Charlton made 11 outfield substitutions, while Gillingham replaced their entire XI with a side averaging just 18 years of age (KentOnline).

Five minutes after the mass changes, the game had its decisive moment. Sonny Carey's corner from the left was met by the leap of Reece Burke at the far post. The defender powered his header inside the near post, giving Gillingham substitute goalkeeper Lennon MacLorg no chance (65').

Burke had only been on the pitch for three minutes, having replaced captain Lloyd Jones at centre-back in the 62nd-minute reshuffle.

Reece Burke (Charlton) — Came off the bench and scored the game's only goal with a well-directed header from a corner. Beyond the goal, his presence at the back helped Charlton see out the win comfortably.

Ibrahim Fullah (Charlton) — The youngster was Charlton's most dangerous attacking threat in the first half, testing Holtam twice with sharp efforts. His movement and footwork caused problems for the Gillingham defence before being withdrawn at half-time.

Taite Holtam (Gillingham) — The young Gillingham goalkeeper made several good saves in the first half to keep the scoreline level, including two from Fullah. He was replaced at the hour mark having done his pre-season prospects no harm.

Sonny Carey (Charlton) — Provided the assist for the winner with a well-delivered corner and was involved in several other set-piece threats in the second half, including a free-kick that led to Greg Docherty firing just wide.

Player of the Match: Reece Burke

Charlton's 12 substitutions to Gillingham's 10 tell the story of a pre-season friendly where both managers prioritised minutes across the squad. The decisive moment came from a set-piece — a reminder that even in pre-season, dead-ball routines can be match-defining. Gillingham's average age of 18 in the final 30 minutes reflects the depth of their injury crisis: eight senior players were unavailable, including new striker Will Goodwin, Ronan Hale, Bradley Dack, Armani Little, Ethan Coleman, Cameron Antwi, Garath McCleary and goalkeeper Ollie Wright (KentOnline).

For Charlton (Championship, 2026/27), the win continues a solid pre-season build-up. Nathan Jones' side next face AFC Wimbledon away on Saturday 25 July (CAFC).

For Gillingham (League Two, 2026/27), the priority will be getting injured players back before the league season kicks off in three weeks. Their Carabao Cup first-round tie against Luton Town is scheduled for the week commencing 3 August (KentOnline). The injury list is a concern, but the young replacements gained valuable minutes against a side two divisions above them.

A routine pre-season workout that told us more about injury lists than tactical hierarchies. Charlton's quality told in the end, but Gillingham's resilience — particularly with so many absentees — was a positive for Gareth Ainsworth. Burke's header was the only moment of quality that separated the sides, and both managers will have learned more about their squad depth than the final scoreline suggests.