Gillingham striker Joe Gbode marked his loan return to Hastings United with a goal.

Gbode joined the Isthmian Premier side shortly after signing a professional deal with the Gills in the week.

• More: Joe's big deal with the Gills

The 17-year-old struck with 36 minutes gone for Hastings, heading home from a corner. His side conceded late on in a 1-1 draw with Wingate & Finchley.

It’s a third spell on loan at the U’s for Gbode this season, having previously scored five goals in four league matches. It’s now six in five for the young forward.

He’s playing for a team captained by former Gills youth manager and player Craig Stone, who earlier tweeted: “It shows how well the club look after young players when the Gills trust us with a player like Joe’s ability over a number of clubs in higher divisions.”

Gbode has already made six appearance for the Gills, including four games in League 2 this season. He made his debut in the EFL in November 2021 days after playing in the FA Cup.

He wasn’t the only Gillingham youth player to score this weekend while out on loan.

Elliot Moore found the net for Southern Counties East Premier Division side Kennington, scoring for them after two minutes with a super finish. Ton beat Canterbury City 4-2.

Elsewhere in the division former Gills youngster Aaron Millbank scored all three goals for Deal Town in their 3-0 win at Holmesdale while Andy Pugh struck twice as Phoenix Sports beat Hollands & Blair 2-1.

Lordswood have a couple of Gillingham youth players on their books and they were on the end of a 4-0 defeat at Fisher. Will Dempsey made his debut for the Wood while Julian Kuhr continued to gain valuable experience in the team.

Midfielder Josh Chambers got another game under his belt turning out for National South play-off hopefuls Worthing in their 1-1 draw at Slough in National League South.

Gills’ young Australian forward Matty MacArthur came off the bench for Margate in their 2-0 win over Corinthian Casuals.

Ronald Sithole was in the thick of the action for Faversham Town as they continue to put up a brave battle against relegation in Isthmian South East. He hit the crossbar in a 1-0 win against Chichester City.

Sam Gale got 90 minutes for Sheppey United in their 4-1 win over East Grinstead while Ike Orji played for Chatham in their 3-1 victory at VCD. The young right-back returned to Chats on loan after signing a pro deal with the Gills last month.