Portsmouth 4 Gillingham 0: Match ratings

Chief sports writer Neil Allen runs the rule over Pompey's players following the Checkatrade Trophy victory over Gillingham.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Sep 2018, 09:43 BST

Updated 5th Sep 2018, 10:47 BST

Ben Close, right, was Neil Allen's man of the match. Picture: Robin Jones/Digital South

The cup fixture served its purpose as a raft of first-team contenders were able to lay down their challenge for a starting spot.

Andre Green and Joe Mason made their debuts, while Matt Clarke, Ben Close, Brett Pitman and David Wheeler all found the net for the first time this season.

A crowd of 2,011 watched the game '“Â with 69 of those being away fans. Man-of-the-match was Close, whoÂ dictated Pompey's play, using the ball superbly and scoring on the night.

Meanwhile, the Southsea midfielder's goal was the magic moment. It was the Blues' third and effectively ended the contest before half-time.

Referee Alan Young handled the game with the minimum of fuss, scoring an eight out of 10.

Click on the link above or hit the button on the main image to see how the Blues line-up fared in the eyes of our experts.