Tricky winger Mustapha Carayol made just the kind of impact Gillingham’s management were expecting to see after snapping him up this summer.

Carayol stretched an already tiring Colchester defence in the EFL Trophy match after coming off the bench and provided the winning cross for Robbie McKenzie.

During a lively 15-minute spell on the night he put in several crosses, just the type that big striker Vadaine Oliver will be hoping to capitalise on for the remainder of the season. It’s the service the Gills forwards have been looking for since Jordan Graham departed for Birmingham.

Speaking after the win, assistant boss Paul Raynor said: “When they went down to 10 men (following an injury after already using their substitutes) they had a winger playing at full back.

“It was always the plan to get Mustapha on for a few minutes at the end, but it was made for him, absolutely made for him.

“We had him at Crawley and at Leeds and you can see the quality he has got now he is much, much fitter. We saw little flashes in pre-season but he has got that quality, having played at the levels he has, African Nations Cup etcetera, games in the Championship for some good clubs.

“He played a cameo role in the end but there is more to come and the Gills fans will enjoy watching him for sure.”

Last season’s leading scorer Oliver was rested on Tuesday. Many of his goals came from Graham’s work out wide and he was crying out for more help this season. Carayol will hopefully do that.

Raynor said: “Vadaine Oliver has been doing our nut in for the last few weeks, saying who is getting me the crosses but that will come the more we can work with the group.

"We have been playing catch-up since pre-season, but the recent break has helped us, this game (on Tuesday) has probably helped us, we have got people fitter and we should have fresh players available for the weekend.”

More on the Gills;

'Absolutely invaluable' - Praise for Gillingham match winner

Report and video highlights from midweek Trophy victory