Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler was clearly delighted after his side’s 6-1 demolition over struggling Hereford at Edgar Street.

First half goals from debutant Frank Nouble and Garry Richards were followed up by an own goal from Joe Heath and in the second half the Gills capped their fine win with Danny Jackman, Chris Whelpdale and Stefan Payne all finsing the net.

Hereford did pull one back before the end through Sam Winnall and missed a penalty, but it was comfortably Gillingham’s best display of the season and Hessenthaler was satisfied with his sides hard work.

Hessenthaler said: “It was a great performance obviously and to score six goals was great, but I have got a bit of sympathy for Jamie (Pitman) and Hereford because being a manager is hard work.

“So it’s been a tough day for them but we’ve all been down there.”

Hessenthaler had seen his side go into the game on the back of three defeats and a draw and he admitted it was nice to get back to winning ways:

“I thought we were terrific – we were strong and solid and took our goals very well.”

“We needed a win and we got it. It’s great that we scored the goals and the performance was good.”

Credit must go to Hessenthaler for both bringing in West Ham striker Frank Nouble on loan as he had the cutting edge Gillingham have been sadly lacking in recent weeks and for switching formation to a more attacking 4-4-2.

It showed especially in the second half as the Gills began to dominate for long periods and provide chances that haven’t been there in recent matches.

A special mention must also go to striker Stefan Payne who came of the bench to score his first goal in a Gillingham shirt. The former Fulham striker is starting to show some real potential and hopefully this goal will give him the confidence to go on a fine scoring run.