Ady Pennock insists he hasn't made up his mind who will start in their League 1 opener at Doncaster next weekend.

A strong XI travelled to Colchester on Friday night, winning 2-1.

Canvey Island is the destination for their second game of the weekend, with the likes of Josh Wright and Stuart Nelson aiming to force they way in for the season opener.

Gillingham travel to Doncaster next Saturday for their first game of the season.

“It is a very important game for us,” Pennock said.

“Most players will get 90 minutes again, which is why I have got two games. We couldn’t fit everyone in the starting XI (at Colchester).

Ady Pennock's reaction from Gillingham's win at Colchester

Match report: Colchester United 1 Gillingham 2

“I think most people will read too deeply into the starting line-up (on Friday) but the game at Canvey isn’t just a jolly-up, it will be an important game because I haven’t made up my mind who will start next week.

“Hopefully the boys put in another performance and we don’t have any injuries.”

Wright is among those players heading for Canvey, a player subject to speculation about his future at Priestfield. He scored 14 goals for the Gills from midfield last season.

Bradley Garmston is another hoping to win Pennock over, having fought his way back from injury. Jake Hessenthaler is also set to play.

Pennock said: “You get illnesses and injuries and it is important for those payers, like Garmston, Hessenthaler and Wright and Stuart Nelson, along with some younger players, but I just can’t fit everyone in.”

The head coach confirmed on Friday night that Stuart Nelson would be starting in goal. Conor Wilkinson (ankle) remains out injured, as does defender Alex Lacey (knee).