Martin Allen is delighted with the efforts of Deon Burton and Danny Kedwell so far this season. Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Martin Allen was keen to big-up his own forward line ahead of Saturday's visit from League 2’s top scorers Port Vale.

Danny Kedwell and Deon Burton are both in double figures with just over half of the season gone.

In the last two fixtures Allen has played Adam Birchall and Burton up front but all have played their part, according to the Gills boss.

He said: "Danny Kedwell came on (last weekend) up front on his own and he did a fantastic job holding the ball up and bringing people into play. Adam Birchall terrorised their back-four by getting behind their full-backs.

"It is a matter of time before Birchall scores and playing away from home he has had to play a different kind of role. On Saturday, Birchall will be right there.

"Deon Burton exudes confidence, quality, dedication and professionalism and has the match-winning ability to score great goals.

"When we haven’t got the ball, all our players defend and Burton, Kedwell, Birchall and Ben Strevens are all players who have shown that dedication, as has Myles Weston."