By Andrew Gidley

Manager Martin Allen was pleased with Gillingham's performance despite going out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after a 3-2 first round defeat at League 1 Crawley on Tuesday.

He said: "The boys done great, and played very well against a strong side in what was always going to be a tough game.

"The attitude and application of all my players was great, and we pushed up again at the end looking to win the tie ourselves. But their fellow scored a wonder goal to win it and you have got to say fair play to him for that.

"It was a great goal by Lewis Montrose for our second. It was a difficult game for him after the horrible decision I made to bring him off on Saturday after only half an hour and tonight was a real test of character for him."

Allen (pictured) revealed that Matt Fish was taken off with a tight Achilles and is already rated doubtful for the trip to Barnet on Saturday. Midfielder Jack Payne was a late withdrawal after being taken ill during the afternoon.