Competition for places in Gillingham’s defence is hotting up after the arrival of Tom O’Connor.

The new loan signing from Southampton came in at left-back against Bolton, with Barry Fuller reverting to his more natural right side.

Fuller produced a number of quality deliveries, including one which was converted by new signing Olly Lee.

His involvement meant Lee Hodson was dropped to the bench for the first time.

“He had to earn that right-back spot,” said Gillingham manager Steve Evans. “He was terrific. We are asking him to do something he has not been accustomed to doing (at left-back).

“He (previously) played full-back and stayed at home, but my teams have always been offensive so he has to get up and down the pitch.

“We probably need to be careful with Barry, with his training days and down times, to make sure he has that Duracell bundle of energy that he has got but we love him to bits. He’s a great kid.”

Fuller’s attitude post-match impressed the boss too.

He said: “You know what’s special? All of our players walked off, pleased with how they had done things and I watched Barry walk up to the Bolton fans and applaud them.

“We spoke about it on Friday and about football being the winner in the fact that their team came into town.”

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