Tom Eaves has claimed ownership over penalty responsibility this coming season.

He struck the opening goal from the spot at the weekend and with a starting role seeming likely, is ready to take on the job full-time.

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Ipswich, he said: “That (responsibility is) going to be me and you would do well to get that ball off me!

“Good luck to the man who does.”

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Eaves fired home what was Gillingham’s fourth penalty of their pre-season campaign.

Fellow striker Conor Wilkinson had an effort saved at Dover but the two at Chatham on Tuesday night were converted.

Josh Wright – who scored four of his five attempts last season – netted after Liam Nash had already chipped one in.

Asked if newcomer Nash might be competition for the job, 6ft 5in Liverpudlian Eaves smiled and said: “He can try and get it off me but we’ll see how he does.”

Nash, who regular chips them in from 12 yards, had a 100% record from the penalty spot last season, converting 11 times for Maldon & Tiptree.

For Eaves, it’s now three goals from three appearances for the former Yeovil Town striker.

He said: “It is good to get on the scoresheet. My main target is to get as many goals as I can this season, so it is very pleasing.

“Hopefully I can carry the goalscoring form into the season but I am just glad the majority of pre-season is out of the way.

“It is just about getting as many minutes as I can and feeling as sharp as I can for that first game at Doncaster.”

*More from Tom Eaves in this Monday's Medway Messenger as he targets a return to the top.

Gillingham are back in action on Tuesday night against Patro Eisden.

Follow kentonlinegills on twitter for match updates. Reaction and report up later.