Connor Essam goes up for a header against Port Vale

by Luke Cawdell

Teenage defenders Connor Essam and Jack Evans have proved they can handle League 2 football, according to Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler.

The pair made their full debuts for Gillingham after slotting into Hessenthaler’s new-look defence.

The Gills boss named a whole new back four against Port Vale as he tried to arrest the club’s alarming recent defensive record, and the gamble was nearly rewarded.

"It deserved to pay off," said Hessenthaler. "The boys deserved a result. We had the future of the club out there a bit with some of the younger ones.

"We have been asking ourselves are they ready? I think they proved that they are ready and I thought they were terrific, along with everyone else.

"We gave them their deals to become pros and they are ready. I am pleased about that because they have been chomping at the bit to get an opportunity. They have proved they can handle it."

Essam’s only previous appearance came as a substitute in last week’s defeat against Southend. The 19-year-old put in a performance on Saturday that delighted the Gills boss.

"He was outstanding," said Hessenthaler. "He is going to make a few mistakes, because he is young. They (Vale) came at us but we threw our bodies on the line and as much as I am devastated (by the result) there are lots of positives. If we can keep digging in and doing that then we will turn it (around)."