PRIDE tinged with disappointment was how Andy Hessenthaler felt after he watched his 10 men battle for a deserved point against Watford at Priestfield last night. The Gills player-manager was pleased with his side's performance but disappointed with Iffy Onuora and the tackle which led to his sending off.

Hessenthaler was adamant that Onuora had to go after he kicked out at Watford defender Paul Robinson after a nasty two-footed challenge a minute before the break. Speaking after the 0-0 result, Hessenthaler said: "He had to go. He had to be sent off because you can't retaliate and he knows that and he apologised to me afterwards. However, we dug in and got a result but the incident was unfortunate and we were disappointed with the challenge by Robinson. I know young Robbo from my Watford days and he's a good competitor and didn't go in there to hurt anybody, but it looked bad."

Hessenthaler was full of praise for his team, especially King for the way he led the line as a lone striker causing the Hornet's defence all sorts of trouble. "You can't ask for any more from the players. I thought they were outstanding - every one of them.

"Once you go down to 10 men it's very difficult. I thought we defended very well and young Marlon was terrific as it's not easy to play up there on your own.

"We frustrated them and made it very hard for them and I think we could have won it. We showed character, which is what this club is all about. I told the lads we have to roll our sleeves up and show determination and we certainly did that. It's important we go on a good run now starting with Palace on Wednesday night."