Gillingham midfielder Kevin Maher drew praise from manager Andy Hessenthaler after another solid performance, this time at Stockport.

Hessenthaler recalled Maher, pictured, back into the team following the FA Cup defeat against Dover and he has been a vital ingredient in the club’s turnaround in form.

Maher, who was used sparingly last season by Mark Stimson, has become a key member of Hessenthaler’s team in the last two months and the Gills boss said: "Kevin Maher deserves a lot of credit for his performances in the last few weeks.

"He has come under quite a bit of criticism from fans and again he was tremendous."

Maher formed part of a new-look formation at Stockport as Hessenthaler left striker Cody McDonald up front on his own and relied on the midfielders to work the openings.

He said: "We had Maher’s experience, Danny Spiller’s legs, little Jacko (Danny Jackman) looked bright and we had pace with Cody (McDonald), Andy Barcham and Curtis (Weston)."

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