By Luke Cawdell

Simon Royce hailed the performances of the young and old after the Gills earned a point against Charlton on Saturday.

Royce, pictured, felt that the Gills’ oldest and most experienced outfield player, Mark Bentley, had his best game for the club and compared new signing Matt Fry to player-of-the-year man Simon King.

Royce was making his 100th start for the Gills but paid a glowing tribute to Bentley, who, with 144 appearances, is the veteran of the current squad.

Royce said: "He looked like he was 23 or 24 again and for me that was the best I’ve seen him play for Gillingham.

"He’s great to have in the squad because he can play in a few different positions and he was a big plus for us, superb.

"Matt Fry is just like Simon King. There is something about a left-footed centre-half that just looks right. He attacks the ball ever so well and he made a great headed clearance late on in the second half.

"He’s from West Ham and they like their youngsters to play and he has a bright future in the game."

Royce also joined a growing list of people to criticise the Priestfield pitch, after Charlton boss Phil Parkinson blasted the playing surface.

"It’s rubbish," said the 38-year-old. "It’s not one you can play great football on. I might fall out with the groundsman but to be honest I couldn’t give a monkey’s. The grass is too long and the pitch has too many divots in it."