Joe Gbode started the League 2 game against Tranmere Rovers and got a standing ovation from many of the fans at Priestfield

Joe Gbode left the Priestfield pitch to a standing ovation on Saturday after his first league start under Mark Bonner.

The Gillingham forward played a pivotal role in the team’s opening goal against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday and manager Bonner has laid down some challenges for the teenager if he wants to become a regular in the first-team.

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Bonner said: “Everyone loves a club-developed player, don't they? Especially one that brings the game to life and is exciting.

“We’ve played eight games and he's played in seven of them. He’s started three (twice in cup competitions) and he's right in amongst it. He's having some good moments in games.

“The Peterborough game in the Trophy was probably his best performance.

“His challenge is to tidy his whole game up, which will take time, and his challenge is to find consistent levels where what he's good at, he does every single week.

“We want to make sure we fill this place and keep building the connection…” #Gills boss Mark Bonner knows how important home form is and things have started well