TEENAGE goalkeeper Jason Brown had a outstanding debut pulling off a classy save in the last 10 minutes to help Gillingham beat Grimsby 2-1 at Priestfield last night.

His cool head earned him praise from player-manager Andy Hessenthaler, who said: “Jason was superb. He is a confident lad and a good talker and has waited for his chance although it probably came a bit quicker than anticipated.

“He recovered from the early setback of conceding the goal but made a magnificent save from Danny Butterfield at the end.”

Brown, who joined the Gills from Charlton last March, replaced Vince Bartram who has been below par and was roundly criticised for Wolves’ first goal on Saturday. Brown said: “When the gaffer told me that I would be in the side I went home and dreamt of all the good and bad things that might happen in the game.

"I enjoyed it and everyone was telling me to keep my head up after the goal. Vince has helped me a great deal since I came to the club, as have the manager and the coaching staff. I have waited for my chance and hopefully I can keep my place.”

Brown’s kicking and handling were excellent and the only bad mark against him was his decision not to close down Michael Boulding for the first goal.

Hessenthaler added: “Unfortunately Jason just got a bit mixed up and a bit nervous. I'm sure in the reserves he would have come and got that. I'm not criticising the lad. It was his debut and he’s expected to be a little bit nervous. He made amends in the second half with some excellent saves." Hessenthaler admitted the decision to drop Bartram who had held a proud 103-game consecutive record was a hard one but one he had to take. He said: “Vince felt he was a bit short of confidence. Everyone needs a kick up the backside sometimes.

“At some time we all need a rest. Take David Perpetuini. He has played the most games in his career at Gillingham and I just felt that it has caught up with him a little bit. Lucky enough we have got people like Edgy (Roland Edge) who can come in.”

Hessenthaler was delighted as his side ended a run of three successive defeats to reach their 50-point survival target. Unfortunately for club finances, only 7,025 people turned up to watch, the lowest home attendance of the season.