Steve Evans is delighted with striker Brandon Hanlan after the forward scored the goal that sent Gillingham through to the second round of the FA Cup.

The 22-year-old netted the winner in extra time to see the Gills passed Sunderland and set up a tie against Doncaster Rovers on Sunday 01 December.

The Gillingham manager was pleased to see Hanlan grab the winner, praising the player’s movement and work ethic.

“Hanlan is getting better every time I see him,” Evans admitted.

“He has lots to work on but he is getting better and he has that work ethic.

“If he stops that work ethic he won’t be very good and he’ll be playing for Bromley or something.”

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“Brandon looked menacing all night and was unlucky not to get a hat-trick. His finish was fantastic, but it wasn’t just about that.

“His movement was fantastic, it is his pace, his touch into the box, and he drills it into the far corner.

“He had the power and the strength and the pace to cause them a real problem and when the ball went to him it was a fantastic finish.

“He has worked so hard in recent weeks for the team and you always want to get a goal when you work as hard as he did.

“Everyone in the dressing room is pleased for him.

“You could see what it meant. I don’t think there was a player apart from Jack Bonham (the goalkeeper) who wasn’t on top of him once he scored and that’s always a sign.

“There is a real unity in our dressing room.”

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Gillingham have been solid in League One this season and have lost just once in the last four league games. They are also creating plenty of chances which suggests they could still improve.

As it stands, they are 14th in the table with 21 points from 17 games. They face a trip to struggling Wimbledon at the weekend who have confirmed they will be without their captain Will Nightingale following a hip operation.