Scott Malone’s evening at Gillingham ended a lot better than it started against Sutton United and the head coach was delighted by the response.

Malone conceded a free-kick that led to Crawley’s opener in a 2-0 win over Gillingham at Priestfield on Boxing Day and was at fault for Bradford’s first goal in another two-goal defeat at ME7 prior to the festive period. He was replaced at full-back on Friday night.

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Named on the bench, Malone sat watching for over an hour as the Gills failed to make the most of their numerous chances. He was introduced as a replacement for injured Max Clark, who had taken over his role on the left side of defence.

When fellow substitute Connor Mahoney swung in a cross less than 10 minutes after Malone had been introduced, it was cleared into his path and on the volley he expertly picked out the top corner.

“I still don’t care how it went in,” admitted the Gills coach. “I know it was a great goal and fair play to Scott.

“We have had a lot of games (recently) and I have made quite a few changes over the Christmas period, probably two or three every game. I felt it was right to give Max (Clark) a go and he did ever so well when he was on the pitch.”

A muscle strain forced Clark off and Malone seized his opportunity.

Clemence said he had spoken to Malone the day before about his decision to make the change.

“Scott understood,” he said. “He reacted in the way a good professional does.

“He has had a wonderful career up to this point and he wouldn’t have had the career he has had if he wasn’t a good professional. He reacted exactly as I would expect him to.”