Gillingham youth striker Joseph Gbode joins Isthmian League Margate on loan

Teenage striker Joseph Gbode has joined Isthmian League Margate on loan from Gillingham.

The Gills youth player found himself thrust into the first team back in November, aged just 16, making three substitute appearances, with two of those matches being in League 1.

The promising forward will now get the chance to experience more men’s football at a lower level, agreeing an initial month deal with Jay Saunders’ team.

Saunders said: “Joseph is a really exciting prospect and we look forward to helping him develop further during his time with us here at Hartsdown Park.

“I would also like to thank everyone associated with Gillingham for allowing this to be sorted so quickly.”

Margate are nine points adrift of the play-off places in the Isthmian League Premier Division.