Gillingham Beat Brighton Under 21s Despite Late Rally

Gillingham kept their hopes of reaching the EFL Trophy knockout stage alive with a 4-3 victory over Brighton Under 21s at Priestfield Stadium on Tuesday night. The hosts built a four-goal advantage before surviving a late comeback, leaving both teams on three points in Southern Section Group G. Tom Eaves opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Bradley Dack doubled the lead, and Ethan Coleman headed in a third before halftime.

Louie Dayal added the fourth shortly after the restart, but Brighton scored three times to make the closing stages tense. Despite the victory, Gillingham remain behind Brighton in the group standings on goal difference. According to Kent Online, the top two teams will advance when the group concludes in early November.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth selected a relatively experienced lineup, combining senior players with young professionals. Goalkeeper Rohan Luthra made his debut after recently signing for the club, while Eaves made his first start since returning and recorded his 100th appearance for Gillingham.

Captain Dack helped establish control of the match, while defender Jack Daley, on loan from Middlesbrough, delivered a composed performance as he continued pushing for a place in the league starting lineup. Brighton enjoyed possession during the first half but struggled to turn it into goalscoring opportunities. Eaves broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute after referee Richard Eley awarded a penalty for handball. The striker sent his effort into the top corner, giving Gillingham the lead.

Seven minutes later, Dack made it 2-0 after Andy Smith kept a long forward ball in play near the byline and pulled it back into his path. Dack's controlled finish beat Brighton goalkeeper Steve Hall. Gillingham struck again in first-half stoppage time. Following the hosts' seventh corner of the half, Dack's delivery was cleared toward James Brophy, whose return cross allowed Coleman to head home the third goal.

Dayal extended the advantage to four in the 49th minute. Substitute Logan Dobbs sent the ball forward, and Dack ran beyond a defender before crossing for Dayal to finish from close range. Brighton responded two minutes later when Shane Nti redirected Kofi Shaw's effort from the edge of the penalty area past Luthra.

The goal began the visitors' recovery, although Gillingham remained in control of the scoreline. Nti scored again with a precise finish into the top corner after the ball fell to him following a blocked attempt by Tyler Silsby. Brighton continued to press, forcing Luthra into a save against Valentin Joseph, while Hall denied Gillingham substitute Sullivan Booth at the other end.

Silsby reduced the deficit to one goal with a free kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time. However, Brighton had no remaining time to find an equalizer, and Gillingham held on for the three points.

Cambridge United lead Southern Section Group G after winning their opening two matches. According to Kent Online, Cambridge are scheduled to host Brighton on November 3, while Gillingham will face Northampton Town a week later; Northampton have lost their first two group games. The match attracted 576 spectators, including 40 away supporters, at Priestfield Stadium.