Ebbsfleet United 1–2 Gillingham
International Club Friendly | August 1, 2026

Gillingham edged a competitive Kent derby-style friendly at Ebbsfleet United's Stonebridge Road stadium, taking a 2-1 victory on August 1, 2026. The Gills, who play in League Two, used the match as an important step in their pre-season build-up, while National League hosts Ebbsfleet showed plenty of promise despite the defeat.

Match Overview

It was a typical end-of-summer friendly: physical, fast-paced and with both managers using the opportunity to give extended minutes to a range of players. Gillingham struck early and managed the game effectively, but Ebbsfleet responded well and made the contest tight until the final whistle. The result was settled by a late second goal for the visitors, with Ebbsfleet only able to muster a single reply.

Key Moments

• Gillingham took a first-half lead through a well-struck effort from just outside the box after sustained pressure.
• Ebbsfleet equalised early in the second half with a set-piece header, giving the home crowd a lift.
• The winning goal came in the closing stages as Gillingham exploited tiring legs on the counter-attack.
• Both sides introduced multiple substitutes, allowing young academy prospects valuable first-team experience.

Player and Team Notes

Gillingham's starting eleven looked close to full strength, a sign of manager Mark Bonner's desire to build momentum before the league season opener. For Ebbsfleet, the performance underlined their competitive spirit under returning boss Danny Searle, especially in central midfield where they matched their higher-division opponents for long stretches. Pre-season results like this are often misleading, but the Gills will be pleased with their efficiency in front of goal.