Ethan Coleman picked up the sponsors’ man-of-the-match award on Tuesday night and was described as a “warrior” by his manager following the 4-1 win.
Coleman suffered a bang to his head at the weekend, which led to his early withdrawal from the game against Tranmere Rovers, and he was a pre-match doubt to face Chesterfield on Tuesday night.
But sporting a big bandage on his head, defensive-midfielder Coleman protected the Gills back line well against an attacking line-up that would be the envy of many teams in League 2.
Coleman wasn’t afraid to use his head, despite the damage from the weekend, with a trio of headed clearances.
“The first cheer when he headed the ball by the fans was brilliant,” said manager Gareth Ainsworth.
“He’s just an absolute warrior.”
Coleman, 25, suffered injury woes last season and only came back into the team with a couple of appearances in the final two games of the campaign.
Ainsworth initially played him in defence at the start of this pre-season but has been pleased to see the midfielder put in some top performances in his more natural position.
He got his first goal for the club too, in the recent cup game against Wimbledon.
The Gills boss said: “He had a hell of a tough season last year and it was brilliant to involve him at the end when I came in.
“I didn’t know too much about Ethan, but I’ve learnt plenty, and even more (on Tuesday night).
“It was a fantastic performance and I think he’s learning the way I do things.
“I’m a change to a lot of managers. Myself and Paul Cook (the Chesterfield manager) are totally different and Mark Bonner, the previous (Gills) manager, we’re totally different.
“You have to give some players credit, they have to adapt and change, and Ethan’s definitely done that. He was superb.”
