by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Martin Allen was pleased with his side’s response after a second half reshuffle in the 1-1 draw at Rochdale.

Allen’s side went into the break a goal behind for the second game running, but, as on Saturday, they found an equaliser and could have won.

"I thought we played very well in the second half," Allen, pictured, said.

"We changed our formation, changed our shape (to play three at the back) for the first time this season.

"We had quite a few good opportunities in the second half but the team we were playing against played with freedom and were doing things like playing with three up on the halfway line and that’s the sort of stuff you can do when you are in the middle of the table.

"It meant there were different things we had to think about and think what to do. We changed it at half-time and the players were fantastic in the second half. I thought we were unlucky not to win it.

"We have gone a point clearer of a number of other clubs and it’s another point towards our total so it was good."

There were several late challenges in the game that led to injuries to several Gillingham players and provoked a late skirmish that saw Andy Frampton sent off.

But Allen, who had made his dissatisfaction shown on the touchline, wasn’t willing to openly criticise the opposition in the media.

"I’m not going to comment on that," he said. "I never ever do and I’m not going to comment."

The Gills had to fight back from going a goal down after a rare mistake from Leon Legge. He lost he ball and Rochdale’s George Donnelly took full advantage with a 12th-minute opener.

"It was an error," said Allen. "It was the first shot on our goal I think. It came off an error but these things happen over a season.

"I am not apportioning any blame on him, these things happen. Players make mistakes, we all make errors and there are days when it doesn’t go so well and these things happen."

Tuesday’s point was the third in a row on the road, after games at Exeter and Morecambe.

Allen said: "What a fantastic achievement and a fantastic effort by the players, the commitment of the squad and the unity of the squad and the staff."