Adam Birchall made his first Gillingham appearance in a year as Martin Allen’s side took on Dagenham & Redbridge.

The sides met at Gills’ Beechings Cross training ground in a match which the home side comfortably won 3-0, with youngster Bradley Dack among the goals.

Birchall (pictured) was injured almost exactly a year ago, suffering a serious knee injury in a friendly match against Welling on July 19, 2011. It forced him to miss the entire 2011/12 season.

He only signed for the Gills days before from Dover where he had netted over 40 goals.

Gills boss Allen was thrilled to see the striker make a 30 minute appearance.

"That is a fantastic achievement after 12 months out and it was a real bonus," said Allen.

"He looked very sharp and we have nicknamed him Wilkinson Sword.

"He is a lovely lad, he scored a load of goals a couple of years ago. He has a lovely smile, a great attitude to work and to life and I really like him."

A Gillingham XI will face Hollands & Blair at Star Meadow on Wednesday night. Kick-off 7pm.

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