Gillingham boss Steve Evans has been encouraged by the early form of his strikers.

Alex Jakubiak, who netted his fourth goal of the season at Tranmere, is leading the way.

The 23-year-old Watford loanee scored just five times for Bristol Rovers on loan during the previous campaign but Evans was always confident he would see a return from the talented forward.

Evans said: “I always believed Alex would get goals. I had seen him at Bristol Rovers and they played him wide in a three a lot.

“But I watched him in the under-23 games at Watford and he looked as if he would get goals. I think he will.

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“Mikael Mandron will get his share and so will Mikael Ndjoli and Brandon Hanlan will.

“People talk about strikers but if you are going to sign (a proven) one at League 1 level, you need to be spending what some teams are and that’s £6,000 in wages. We are not at that level.”

Mandron made his first start for the Gills in the league, having impressed in the midweek EFL Trophy game against Colchester.

“He had a go,” added Evans. “I would like to see him get on the back stick more, rather than come to feet, because he is powerful and strong but we are building.”

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