Home   Medway   Sport   Article

Youth striker Joe Gbode makes first start for Gillingham after returning from loan spell at Isthmian League side Hastings United

Joe Gbode’s chance with the Gillingham first team on Tuesday was fully deserved said boss Neil Harris.

The 17-year-old second year scholar was brought back from his loan at Isthmian League side Hastings United to make his first senior start for Gillingham in their League 2 game at Crawley Town.

Joe Gbode made his first senior start for Gillingham on Tuesday Picture: Barry Goodwin
Joe Gbode made his first senior start for Gillingham on Tuesday Picture: Barry Goodwin

Gbode got stuck in, up against Harris’ former team-mate and captain at Millwall, Tony Craig. The 37-year-old made life tough for Gbode, goading the young striker into an early booking for retaliating to a heavy challenge.

A promising performance was only let down by missing a great first half chance after Shaun Williams had nodded Cheye Alexander’s cross on a plate, only for the usually reliable young striker to shoot wide.

Harris said the teenager was disappointed not to score, but said: “His all round performance was excellent, I saw glimpses of what is to come form him in the future, he is a real bright spark in our academy at the moment.

“He had a really good loan move to Hastings and I have been really pleased with him.

“I thought he was good (on Tuesday), I thought the team was good, I thought the subs made an impact when they came on, maybe with the team at the moment I need to make three or four subs around the 45-60 minute mark just to keep the energy up.

“I went with Joe (to start) because it is fair to say that the centre-forwards haven’t quite been at the level I hoped for a period, I just thought Joe deserved an opportunity. He has had opportunities off the bench, he did well pre-season and what he does regularly is score goals, in the academy and on loan, so we thought, let’s bring him back and give him a chance. He did very well.”

The teenage striker had been on loan at Isthmian League side Hastings United, recently joining for a second spell and scoring twice on his return to the club. He has five goals in six appearances for the non-league side.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More