Striker Oliver made an impression with second half cameo

Second half substitute Vadaine Oliver did his chances of a recall to the starting eleven no harm with a production cameo role against Gillingham on Saturday. Oliver bounced off the bench to force the Gills goalkeeper Stuart Nelson into two early saves and his impact certainly lifted the crowd and briefly the performance in what proved to be a disappointing 3-0 defeat to the Gills.

Summer signing Oliver is trying to cement his place in the team and scored his first goal for the club in a 2-2 draw with Peterborough United last month.

Steve Davis was pleased with Oliver’s desire to make an impression on Saturday: “Vadaine came on in difficult circumstances, but he had a couple of shots in the first few minutes and he put himself about.

“He has a strong work ethic and in that sense you know what you are going to get from him. He can offer something in the air and he will be under serious consideration. 

Most teams play with a bigger one up there.” “AJ and Max showed great effort and they were trying to get into the game and have an impact but when you play two smaller ones up there, it can sometimes be hard to find them.