Gillingham lose to Welling in Kent Senior Cup

Stefan Payne scored Gillingham's goal

Gillingham's first appearance in the Kent Senior Cup for 14 years has lasted one match.

Having received a bye in the first round they lost their second round match 2-1 to Welling.

League Two Gills fielded just four players with any first team experience with one of them, Stefan Payne, opening the scoring with a penalty.

Lee Clarke levelled from the spot before Bradley Dack's late own goal settled the tie.

Welling player-manager Jamie Day told BBC Radio Kent: "Experience still counts a little bit but their young lads looked sharp and they wanted to get on the ball and play.

"It was a good game for us and a good game all round."

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler says the performance of some of his younger players outweighs any disappointment at losing the match.

As well as Payne, only Ashley Miller, Jack Evans and Callum Davies had ever played a league game for the Gills.

Hessenthaler said: "It was really encouraging. We're pleased with the crop of boys we have got coming through. It was a tough test for them and they passed the test.

"We didn't get the result but it's not like that, it's about development and we got that tonight."

Welling will now visit Dover Athletic in the quarter-final, while Charlton make their Kent Senior Cup return next week when they face Bromley.