Gillingham’s superb performance during March has earned manager Steve Evans and leading scorer Vadaine Oliver a coveted award.

The Sky Bet League 1 manager-of-the-month award has gone to Evans while striker Oliver - who scored eight goals in as many games last month - gets the player award.

Gillingham took 17 points in March as five wins from eight games took them from 15th position in the League 1 table to sixth.

Evans was quick to praise those who helped make it happen.

He said: “For a manager it is totally down to good staff and players. It is humbling.

“I have had a number of these month awards over the years but you never fail to acknowledge what an outstanding accolade it is given the outstanding managers in our competition.

“I am actually more proud of the fact Vadaine won. It is thoroughly deserved and he is a young man who was first to compliment the staff and his fellow players.”

Evans' team were praised for their high energy and the fact that they didn’t give their opponents a moment’s rest in March, “pressing, harrying and playing their way into the play-off places.”

The 3-0 win at Lincoln City was one of the highlights while they also returned from league leaders Hull City with a point.

It was a busy month with some long distance trips including midweek visits to Fleetwood and Lincoln.

Evans said: “March was tough, a lot of long journeys and late nights, but well worthwhile.

“If we had any hope of getting around the play-offs we knew we had to get some results during the period. We are a decent side now, full of good players.

“The players, and staff, are giving everything to the cause. The boys have been fantastic.”

Danny Wilson, who chairs the Sky Bet manager-of-the-month judging panel, said: “The pressure was certainly on Steve Evans’ Gillingham when facing a large number of games in a March but his men responded brilliantly with 17 points gained from their eight fixtures, a brilliant return.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman added: “Points at this stage of the season are worth their weight in gold.

“Gillingham came out of March with a very decent haul thanks to their frenetic, swash-buckling efforts over the course of the month.

“Steve Evans has his players fighting for every ball, and this mentality led to a mightily impressive 17 points from eight games.”

Striker Oliver is looking like one of the signings of the season in League 1, joining on a free transfer after helping Northampton Town to promotion last season.

His eight goals during the month put the 29-year-old on 17 for the season.

Evans said: “The big man has been excellent all season. There has been a period of four or five weeks where he’s a little bit unplayable. When he’s at his best people can’t deal with him.

“Vadaine lives and breathes it; I love the big fella, I love what he’s about and if a player deserved recognition in our team for being so professional, so humble, and so gifted at times, then it’s Vadaine Oliver.”

Oliver said: “It’s been a great run for myself and the team. On a personal note I am buzzing to win the award.

“My favourite goal has to be my second against Ipswich, cutting in from the side and applying the finish.

“I hadn’t scored for a while and as a striker that gets to you a bit but I sprung on an opportunity at Portsmouth, and from there I just built confidence.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “In reality, Steve Evans and Gillingham shouldn’t be anywhere near a play-off push given their resources compared to others, but the goals of Vadaine Oliver have gone a long way to giving them a chance of a top six finish.

“To average a goal per game during a calendar month is impressive in itself, but especially during a period which saw Gillingham play eight games in only 29 days.”