by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Martin Allen has challenged his players to maintain their high level of performance.

The Gills played their fourth Championship outfit in the past month on Tuesday when they lost 2-0 to Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup at Priestfield.

But Allen (pictured) took plenty of heart from a display that saw his team run the much-fancied outfit close, with their second goal coming on the break in the final minute.

Although outplayed by Watford in pre-season, the Boro performance came hot on the heels of a first round win at Bristol City and a warm-up victory against Charlton.

Allen said: “We beat Charlton in pre-season and then Bristol City in this competition.

“I was disappointed with the result against Middlesbrough but again really happy with the way the boys played. That’s good and we have got to keep that going now.”

Allen, who has already made numerous changes to the team in winning their first three League 2 matches, could be forced to alter his line-up at home to managerless Chesterfield on Saturday.

The manager has to check on three players who all picked up knocks in the Middlesbrough game, defender Matt Fish and midfielders Charlie Lee and Jack Payne.

Fish continued after an accidental clash with Mustapha Carayol, although he was later taken off in a tactical switch with striker Ben Strevens. Payne suffered a painful finger injury while Lee was replaced early on after a knock, although Allen later played down fears it could be a serious injury.

Tom Flanagan was on the bench after completing a one-match ban and Myles Weston returns to the squad after being cup tied in midweek.

Do you think Gills can keep their good run in the league going on Saturday? Have your say below.