Two-goal hero Cody McDonald is heading into the new year full of confidence.

McDonald scored a stunning opener on Sunday against Walsall, hit an injury-time equaliser and very nearly completed a hat-trick at the death.

The striker was disappointed he wasn’t able to convert the winner but was happy to have helped Gillingham rescue something from Sunday’s game.

McDonald, speaking to the club’s official website, said: “The lads showed great character at the end.

“We were very disappointed to have conceded the goal, to go 2-1 behind, which is happening quite a lot of late and that’s something we need to try and pin down.

“(At 2-2) I then had a chance straight after to go and win the game.”

The Walsall keeper saved with his feet, from McDonald’s low shot, with the ball looping just over the bar.

“It’s the way it has been going for me at the minute,” said the striker, who had been guilty of missing a couple of one on one chances in recent games.

“The first two have gone in (on Sunday) and then with that chance I hit it better than I had for the second goal but you have to give a bit of credit to the keeper, with the way he saved it.

“I am happy with the way I am playing at the minute, I am getting myself into good positions and hopefully that can continue.

“At the start of the season I wasn’t getting a run of games and it’s nice to be on the team sheet at the minute.

“I feel fit, feel fresh and I am happy with the way I am playing. It’s nice to be getting into positions to be scoring goals.”

McDonald now has eight goals to his name and leads the Gillingham scoring charts from open play.