Source: PA
Hessenthaler hails key duo after `decent` draw
Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler reserved praise for striker Adebayo Akinfenwa and midfielder Jack Payne following his side's opening-day 1-1 draw with Cheltenham at the Priestfield.
The pair combined for the equalising goal with substitute Akinfenwa latching on to Payne's throw-in to head home. Debutant Westley Thomas had earlier given the Robins the lead when he latched onto a long goal kick to score.
Hessenthaler, who was named as Mark Stimson's replacement in May to begin his second spell in charge of the club, said: "The boys gave me everything, we were a bit nervy as it was the opening day.
"We have a few things to work on - especially defensively - but all in all it`s a decent result. When we got the ball down, you can see that we're going to be a very good team
"Young Jack Payne in the middle was outstanding for me, my man of the match, and he's got a terrific future ahead of him.
Bayo was different class when he came on. Every time we stuck it up there, he made it look as though something would happen. We understand we're going to have to address his fitness levels, but I can see him scoring at least 20 goals this season."
