Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler was less than impressed by his senior players in Tuesday’s Combination League fixture at Aldershot.

Hessenthaler (pictured) named eight first team players in the reserves’ starting 11 but they needed late goals from Stefan Payne and Mark McCammon to rescue a point as the game ended 2-2.

He said: "I was a bit disappointed, especially with the senior players.

"I think they need to show a bit more. Reserve football is not great but you still need to use it to push yourself to try and get into the team.

"The younger ones like Connor Essam and Callum Davies did well but the senior boys can do better."

Payne’s goal made it three in three games for the reserves and Hessenthaler added: "He was a bright spark and I was pleased with him, especially in the second half.

"He’s progressing and is still only young. We have to nurture him and he will be in the squad at the weekend."

Hessenthaler also fielded former Spurs youngster Takura Mtandari.

"Unfortunately for him we have a lot of midfield players and that’s what he is," said Hessenthaler.

"We had a look but I wouldn’t have thought we would take it further."

The next reserve game is on October 13 at home to Wycombe.

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