by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Martin Allen will be switching his attention back to the number one objective following Saturday’s FA Cup exit.

A 2-0 defeat at Preston ended the Gills' cup run in the second round, but the task of maintaining their lead in League 2 and clinching promotion will be the aim of the Gills boss.

Allen, pictured, said: "Promotion has been the goal since day one.

"I do love the FA Cup and I love the excitement it creates but we are not now going to be in the draw which is a blow. I have had a lot of good runs in the FA Cup but I have never had a promotion. It’s my goal and it’s the club’s goal."

And returning to places like Preston will be the prize if that goal is achieved.

"We just have to keep picking up points, ploughing along," Allen said.

"The supporters behind the goal on Saturday were tremendous, even when it was 2-0. They saw our players giving everything and they didn’t sulk, or moan, they kept shouting for the team.

"It wasn’t a great day but we’ve made our mark and this is where we want to be coming back to next year. This is where we want to come and win, and take them on. We can do that and we will do that."