Millwall Football Club left Priestfield Stadium with a 1-0 pre-season defeat to League One side Gillingham on Tuesday night.

What happened at Priestfield?

Gillingham’s new striker Will Goodwin opened the scoring in the 16th minute, slotting home after a quick interchange involving trialist Nick Freeman. The goal stood up as the only one of the night, with Millwall Football Club unable to force an equaliser despite late pressure.

Gillingham, backed by 1,800 fans, started brightly and nearly doubled their lead when Seb Palmer-Houlden blocked a clearance only for his follow-up effort to drift wide. Millwall’s own rustiness showed early when Lukas Jensen had to deny Ronan Hale before Goodwin forced a smart stop.

Why it matters for Millwall Football Club

The visitors arrived off the back of La Liga 2 outings and looked short of sharpness in patches. Their Championship status meant they were expected to boss possession, but Gillingham’s direct approach caused problems.

Goalkeeper Josh Coburn fired a weak effort at Gillingham’s young keeper Lennon MacLorg, while Jensen pulled off a low save from Mathis Servais after Coburn’s flick-on. Millwall made eight changes at half-time but still lacked cutting edge in the second period.

Who impressed and who missed?

Freeman, a trialist wing-back, set up Goodwin’s opener and switched sides at the break. MacLorg, 19, came off the bench and made crucial stops late on to preserve Gillingham’s clean sheet.

Millwall’s injury list remains long: first-choice keeper Ollie Wright and outfielders Armani Little, Ethan Coleman, Cameron Antwi, Bradley Dack and Garath McCleary all stayed home. Youngster Taite Holtam also missed out.

What comes next for Millwall Football Club?

Gary Rowett’s side now turns to the 2026/27 Championship campaign after a disjointed pre-season. Their league standing at the start of the new season reads: 3rd in Championship, 83 pts, 24W-11D-11L from 46 games, recent form LDWDW. With 64 goals scored and 49 conceded (+15 goal difference), they sit 12 points behind leaders Coventry in the title race.