Gillingham suffered defeat to Millwall at Priestfield after conceding in the last minute of their pre-season friendly.

Millwall’s John Marquis headed home Hamer Bouazza’s cross to settle a tight match that otherwise had little goalmouth action.

The visit of Championship side Millwall represented Gillingham’s toughest pre-season test and first on home soil.

The opening half ended without a shot on target from either team but there was no shortage of commitment. Gillingham’s Andy Frampton, Luke Rooney and Danny Spiller all ended up on the deck following physical challenges.

Frampton was captaining the Gills in the first half against his old side as he lined up alongside Matt Lawrence in the heart of defence. They were given the responsibility of keeping former Gills man Darius Henderson quiet.

Henderson, a summer signing for Millwall, dinked an early effort over the bar and it was as close as either side got in the opening 45 minutes.

Gillingham started the match with their own new recruit Danny Kedwell playing alone up-front and he was looking to make things happen, with Chris Whelpdale and Luke Rooney offering service from the flanks.

Going closest for the Gills in the first half was Rooney with a shot and Lawrecne with a header, both of which failed to test Millwall keeper Steve Mildenhall.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler made seven changes at the break as they reverted to a 442 formation, with Dennis Oli joining Kedwell in attack. Millwall themselves changed their shape at the interval, with striker Henderson being replaced by midfielder Therry Racon.

With an hour gone the Lions came close to breaking the deadlock, when Liam Trotter cleverly flicked Hamer Bouazza’s corner towards goal, but the ball went just wide of the upright.

Barry Fuller blasted an effort just wide for the Gills moments later after bursting forward.

With just over 20 minutes gone Hessenthaler handed former Ipswich man Reggie Lambe the chance to impress again, with the trialist taking up position behind Gills’ front two.

The game was spiced up when Charlie Lee fouled Josh McQuoid, but referee Gavin Ward blew for a foul seconds before the Millwall man drove the ball into the net. The visitors had to settle for a free-kick.

With the match drifting towards stalemate substitute Marquis pounced to win it for the London side with the game’s first on-target effort.

Gillingham: Flitney (Gazzaniga 46mins), Fish (Fuller 46mins), Jackman (Martin 46mins), Frampton (King 46mins), Lawrence (Brunt 77mins), J Payne (Lee 46mins), Spiller (Oli 46mins), Whelpdale, Rooney (Lambe 68mins), Weston (Montrose 46mins), Kedwell.

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