Gillingham 2 Watford 0: Manager Mark Bonner’s reaction after pre-season friendly at Priestfield

Some of Gillingham’s young players came to the fore on Saturday in another pleasing workout Mark Bonner’s side.

The Gills tackled Championship side Watford and youth team right-back Harry Webster picked up the man-of-the-match accolade after a fine first-half performance in the 2-0 win.

Report: Gills 2 Watford 0

Fellow youth player Harry Waldock also played the first 45 minutes for the Gills while there were appearances in the second half for Stanley Skipper and Harry Bridle. Young professional Sam Gale impressed in an unfamiliar left-back position too.

With senior players Jonny Williams, Armani Little, Ethan Coleman, George Lapslie and Ashley Nadesan among those missing injured, it’s a chance for the youngsters to shine.

“It is exactly what they have to do,” said the Gills boss.

“You never know when your opportunity will come. Harry Bridle trained with us once and poor (Mark Moss, the youth manager). They were getting ready for Chatham on Friday afternoon at 2pm and I’m telling them Harry (wasn’t going to be) playing at Chatham as he was playing half an hour for us.

“I went to Chatham and watched the young boys there, a really young team, but they had a right go and tried to stay in the game. We had moments (on Saturday) where it was similar.

“We had a lot of young players out there who have just got to dig in and show that they are taking on the work that we have done. I am really pleased for them.

“It is a good chance for them to show what they can do, good experiences for them, so that when they go back to the 18s or they go out on loan they know what they are trying to get into.

“For the rest of our boys, they have to step up and perform, but they have to lead the younger ones and help them and show their