Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth praises Sam Gale after his first goal for the club in 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra in League Two

Manager Gareth Ainsworth was again left singing the praises of Gillingham matchwinner Sam Gale on Saturday.

The 20-year-old centre-back scored his first goal for the club to hand the Gills a 1-0 home win over League 2 leaders Crewe at Priestfield.

Ainsworth has made no secret of his admiration for Gale’s abilities and he was delighted that his first goal came in front of The Rainham End.

“He’s probably thankful that his first goal is from a yard in front of The Rainham End,” said Ainsworth.

“It was a brilliant finish for him. He's just an unbelievable player to work with. He is a super, special kid who I think can go really high in the leagues.

“That celebration meant everything to him but then he was the first one back over the halfway line, ready to do the job again.

“That's Sam Gale. He's all in for this place. The lads absolutely love him. He's deserved that, and it’s been coming for a while.

“I'm really pleased he's got the winner. The one at Cheltenham probably wouldn't have been as nice, the one that got disallowed last year.

“You don’t want that one - get the winning goal in front of The Rainham End!”

Ainsworth also discussed how Gale is already a big part of the dressing room.

“Kent boy playing for the Kent club,” added Ainsworth. “I think you look at Sam and people look at sometimes what he's not good at.

“I look at everything that he is good at and how good he can be at these things.

“He's going to be an amazing player. You know, he's a brilliant lad, he really is.

“A real part of the heartbeat of the dressing room.

“He's a humble boy and that will be an emotional moment for him. I'm so pleased for him and his family. They'll really treasure that one.

“I'm pleased it came under me. He wears his heart on his