Joe Gdode’s reaction to scoring for Gillingham in their 2-1 loss to Ebbsfleet United in pre-season friendly

Striker Joe Gbode has his eyes on Accrington next Saturday with a determination to repeat his midweek goal when it matters most.

Gbode slotted home Gillingham’s only goal in a 2-1 loss at Ebbsfleet - a match where there were chances aplenty but only one went in for the league side.

Before scoring, Gbode fired a shot into a defender with the goal at his mercy, but he’s not one for looking back or getting frustrated at missed chances.

“I just cut inside, had a go, and it went in,” said the striker after his goal.

“It was easy. It was a pass. I’ll do it again. Thank God it went in. I am happy, thank God.

“I need to do it more often - it’s a confidence booster.

“Hopefully, by God’s grace, I can replicate the same thing at Accrington.

“It was a good goal. I have got to show that more often in the games - that is the aim for me.

“I knew what I wanted to do, I have practised that in training, and it came off.

“I need to make it persistent and try and replicate it in the league as much as I can.”

Gbode’s miss prior to his goal hadn’t dented his confidence. He just wanted another chance.

He said: “I was smiling and laughing about it because I just knew, ‘give me the ball’. I demanded it.

“As soon as I cut inside I knew ‘this is a goal’.

“I don’t care if I miss a chance, I am just enjoying the football, enjoying life, I am not going to beat myself up about it.”

The Gills have only won once in pre-season and Gbode’s effort was only their second open-play goal in four friendly matches and two 60-minute training games against Southampton.

Gbode said: “Some people might be a little concerned about the result but pre-season is about minutes in the legs and sorting out tactics.

“We were happy with the performance (on Tuesday) and on