Award win for big V.
Gills striker Vadaine Oliver has been rewarded for his stunning form by winning the Sky Bet League 1 player of the month for March.
The forward, who netted eight times in as many games during the month, was clinical with his opportunities and helped propel Gills into the play-off places at one stage following his goal in a 1-0 home win over Wigan.
He had previously bagged braces against both Ipswich and Swindon.
Gillingham manager Steve Evans said: “The big man has been excellent all season. There has been a period of four or five weeks where he’s a little bit unplayable. When he’s at his best people can’t deal with him.
“Vadaine lives and breathes it; I love the big fella, I love what he’s about and if a player deserved recognition in our team for being so professional, so humble, and so gifted at times, then it’s Vadaine Oliver.”
Oliver said: “It’s been a great run for myself and the team. On a personal note I am buzzing to win the award.
“My favourite goal has to be my second against Ipswich, cutting in from the side and applying the finish.
“I hadn’t scored for a while and as a striker that gets to you a bit but I sprung on an opportunity at Portsmouth, and from there I just built confidence.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “In reality, Steve Evans and Gillingham shouldn’t be anywhere near a Play-Off push given their resources compared to others, but the goals of Vadaine Oliver have gone a long way to giving them a chance of a top six finish.
“To average a goal per game during a calendar month is impressive in itself, but especially during a period which saw Gillingham play eight games in only 29 days.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Gills striker Vadaine Oliver was in great goal scoring form during March as the forward notched eight goals in as many games to take his tally to fourteen for the season and put him in joint seventh place in the scorer charts.
“The Gills have not lost any league game in which Vadaine has scored in so far this season and with eight league games left and the Kent-based club still chasing a Play-Off spot, Vadaine’s goals will be crucial for Steve Evans side to beat odds of 25/1 to do so.”