By Freddie Jennings
MILLWALL loanee Sheldon Kendall came off the bench to score his first goals in senior football in Gillingham’s 3-0 League Two win against Bristol Rovers at Priestfield last weekend.
With the Gills 1-0 up heading in the final ten minutes, manager Gareth Ainsworth sent on the eighteen-year-old attacker.
Ainsworth had used Kendall off the bench four times in the league this season, in fixtures against Fleetwood, Northampton, Rochdale and Tranmere, and against Luton in the Carabao Cup.
Kendall came on in the 83rd minute alongside Lewis Luxton in a double substitution, replacing academy graduate Harry Waldock. He made an immediate impact by scoring with his first touch from wing-back Nick Freeman’s cross from the right with an expert volley that flew into the bottom corner beyond helpless Rovers goalkeeper Brad Young.
Just four minutes later in the 89th minute, another substitute, Will Goodwin, won possession on the left before picking out Kendall with a low cross. Young blocked the first attempt but the ball rebounded straight back to Kendall who tapped home.
It rounded off a fantastic display from the Gills who now sit fourth in the division.
Kendall has yet to start a league game in his career.
Ainsworth said: “Two goals on his substitute appearance, really good. So the youngsters will all be knocking on my door for a start soon, but let me work it out.”
As the season progresses, game-time could increase for Kendall, who has all the attributes required from a physical perspective to cause damage to League Two defences, while also having an eye for goals.
The Gills travel to York City on Saturday before hosting Newport County on October 3.
With their side not in action during the international break, Millwall fans in Kent could turn their attention to a loan prospect who is beginning to shine in a Gillingham shirt.
