Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler praised the “tremendous effort” from his players following their demolition of Lincoln City on Saturday.

The Gills scored four goals without conceding to put themselves right back in the play-off mix in League 2.

Hessenthaler said: “We were a little disappointed last week and felt it was a bit of a setback. We needed to bounce back from that.

“We certainly did that and it was a tremendous effort from the players with some very good goals. All-in-all it was a very pleasing day for everybody.

“We were a little down in the week but there was no need to be because before Saturday we were 14 games unbeaten, with two losses in 24, and I said to the players they shouldn’t be too downbeat.

“It was a good all-round team performance and everyone played their part.”

Cody McDonald scored Gillingham’s second and he was also claiming the third, after a Lincoln defender diverted his shot into the net. Hessenthaler was backing his striker and it takes his total to 24 for the season.

“That was definitely his, without a doubt,” said the Gills manager. “He wants it and that was his as far as I am concerned. Let’s give it to him. The lad deserves it and what was nice was that the big man (Akinfenwa) scored as well.”

The only downer on the win was an injury picked up by midfielder Curtis Weston in the second half.

“We are hoping he will be alright for next week,” said Hessenthaler.

“He will have a week of treatment and hopefully he will be alright for the game. We will have to wait and see how he goes over the next few days.”

Picture by Barry Goodwin: Andy Hessenthaler shouts instructions from the dugout at Lincoln alongside his assistant Ian Hendon