Gills striker Simeon Jackson scores the winning goal from the penalty spot on Sunday

by Luke Cawdell

Simeon Jackson scored the crucial goals during Sunday’s play-off semi-final second leg against Rochdale but is reluctant to take the limelight.

The striker netted his 20th goal of the season with a second-half penalty to secure a 2-1 win at Priestfield, which assured his reputation was further enhanced and the Gills were going to Wembley.

But the 22-year-old insists he’s not in the game for personal gain.

He said: "I don’t really like the attention and try and stay away from it as it’s a team game.

"As a striker you are in that position to score goals and that’s what you have to do but, as a team, everyone has been magnificent to get where we are and we just have to do it one more time.

"It’s all good and well getting the goals but John Nutter was in the box and he got the penalty and Andy Barcham crossed for the first so it’s a team effort."

Jackson has made a name for himself with big goals on big occasions.

He fired in a stunning equaliser against Aston Villa in the FA Cup and on Sunday he was again on form with a classy opening goal
which set the Gills on their way.

He added: "You thrive off those things as a player and when those occasions and opportunities come, you have to strut your stuff and show what you’re about.

"I’ve developed this season as a player 100 per cent, especially with the manager and Mark Robson. I’m learning a lot and just trying to get the consistency in my game to do well."

The front man stepped up and scored the winner from the spot – a bold move after missing his last penalty at Wycombe.

Jackson was on the training ground last Saturday taking penalties and he added: "We practice penalties quite a bit and now we’ll work on it a bit more."