Former Burnley and Wycombe striker Sam Vokes says his first Gillingham goal in 1-0 win at Oldham was extra special with his young family watching the game

Striker Sam Vokes admitted his first Gillingham goal had extra significance at the weekend.

Much was made that 35-year-old Vokes had already made his Football League debut for Bournemouth nearly a year before debutant Gills midfielder Cruz Beszant was born.

But it turned out Vokes had an even younger fan club among the travelling support, with his two young daughters experiencing their first away game.

“For me, it's extra nice,” smiled Vokes. “I had my family there as well because they were up for the week in Manchester. My two girls, it was their first away day, actually.

“I might have to stick them on the supporters’ coach most weeks and they have to come up and watch me!

“But they were there in their away kits, so they loved it.”

Vokes’ family were among 549 supporters in the away end, another excellent turn-out on the road by the Gills faithful.

“I was surprised, but I wasn't that surprised because I've seen how they've been over the last few weeks since I've been here,” said Vokes on the club’s support. “They've been amazing.

“At home, the roar and the crowd that we've got, the noise they make is amazing. It's my first experience from away day and I look forward to many more.

“If we can repay them for that journey with a result like that, then hopefully there’s more to come.”

It was Vokes’ first goal in just over a year after he missed much of last season at Wycombe through injury.

He’s not back up to full speed after missing a large chunk of pre-season due to a broken arm but he’s delighted to open his Gills account on just his third substitute appearance for the club.

“Fortunately, I spent most of summer in the physio room due to this broken arm,” he said.

“So, for me the first target is to get back on the pitch