Josh Andrews delivered a strong response to a frustrating afternoon a fortnight ago as Gillingham cruised to a 3-0 win over Harrogate on Saturday.
The striker had missed two gilt-edged chances against Newport, but kept his place in Gareth Ainsworth’s side and repaid his manager’s faith with a dominant all-round display this weekend.
Andrews played a key role in the opening goal, laying on the assist for Conor Masterson to give the Gills the lead, before drawing a foul in the box to win a penalty, which Armani Little converted to make it 2-0.
Gillingham wrapped up the points with a third goal from Sam Vokes, completing a convincing victory.
Ainsworth was quick to praise Andrews’ response and his impact at the top end of the pitch.
“He’s massive,” said the Gills boss. “Not just in stature, but in what he gives us, a platform at the top there and then Sam Vokes comes on and does what he does. What a character to learn off.
“Josh is getting better and better.
“I’m sure eyebrows again would have been raised at some of the chances he’s had in recent weeks. But he assists, he’s a thorn in the side, he gives us that platform to play off.
“Josh is doing really well at the moment. We just need to keep him positive and confident and we’ll get the best out of him.”
The victory means Gillingham have now scored six goals in their last two matches, prompting questions over whether their recent goalscoring issues are finally easing.
Ainsworth, however, was keen to keep expectations in check.
“Not a chance,” he said. “We’ll keep working. It’s a problem to work on and a problem that we know we can solve.
“There are goals in this team, definitely. It’s tough on some evenings and some afternoons.
“There’s a saying, ‘One swallow doesn’t make a summer’. Two or three goals definitely doesn’t solve our goalscoring thing.
“We’ve got to consistently do it for the next 12 to 15 weeks, whatever’s left of the season, and then at the end of the season, hopefully we’ll be in and around the mix.”
