Logan Dobbs Shines with First Senior Goal for Gillingham

Gareth Ainsworth says even he didn’t see this coming from Logan Dobbs.

The 19-year-old defender has forced his way into Gillingham’s plans and stayed there, starting every game of the season so far. On Saturday, he added a new line to his story – his first senior goal, a towering header to set the Gills on their way to a 2-0 win over Tranmere.

For Ainsworth, it has been an unexpected bonus.

“Logan Dobbs has been a surprise package for me this year,” the Gillingham boss told BBC Radio Kent. With Liam Gordon injured in the opening game and Sam Gale departing for Barnsley, Gillingham were suddenly short at the back. A gap appeared. Dobbs walked straight through it.

“All of a sudden the door opened and Logan’s been sensational,” Ainsworth said. “And I think he will understand when I say I didn’t know he was capable of – he’s done really well to become one of the consistent members of the squad here.”

Dobbs’ emergence has not gone unnoticed in the stands either. As he celebrated that first goal, the noise around him told its own story.

“Songs were sung from the stands saying [Dobbs] is one of our own,” Ainsworth added. “So when he got his first goal in front of the fans then that’s what dreams are made of.”

Gillingham sit 11th in League Two and face a serious examination next. Second-placed Bristol Rovers come to town on Saturday, and Ainsworth will again turn to the teenager who has turned an early-season problem into a powerful solution.