Nayan Grant and his Gillingham Academy teammates bounced back from recent frustration, edging out a resilient Stevenage side 3-2 to secure three vital points.
The result comes just days after the young Gills suffered a narrow defeat by the same scoreline against Bromley, a match that saw the Kent outfit fall agonizingly short despite a spirited second-half fightback. This time, however, Gillingham demonstrated the necessary game management to ensure they came out on the right side of a five-goal contest.
In a match defined by tactical discipline and clinical efficiency in the final third, Gillingham established an early foothold. The standout performer was Sullivan Booth, whose movement and anticipation caused constant problems for the Stevenage backline. Booth was the beneficiary of some intricate build-up play, finding the net twice to provide the bedrock for the Gillingham victory.
While Booth provided the clinical edge, Louie Dayal also maintained his impressive run of form. Dayal, who recently made headlines with a treble against Bromley earlier this month, once again proved his worth by scoring Gillingham's third of the afternoon. His ability to find space in the box proved decisive as Stevenage threatened to claw their way back into the game late on.
Bermudian international Grant anchored the defensive effort, showcasing the grit and concentration required to stifle a strong Stevenage attack during a frantic final ten minutes. Despite the visitors finding the net twice to set up a nervous finale, the Gillingham defensive unit held firm to preserve the narrow advantage.
The victory marks a significant psychological boost for the Academy squad, proving their ability to learn from the Bromley setback and close out tight fixtures against top-tier opposition. With momentum back on their side, the young Gills now look forward to a home fixture against Cambridge United this weekend as they continue their push up the youth standings.
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