By Andrew Gidley

Martin Allen was still in positive mood despite Gillingham's first defeat of the season when they lost 2-0 to Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup second round at Priestfield on Tuesday.

The Gills boss (pictured) said: "I am obviously disappointed to lose but I thought it was a very good performance from all the players.

"For the team to lose and still get a standing ovation from the supporters at the end was recognition of the effort they all put in. Everyone to a man did a shift.

"Middlesbrough played very well in the first half, moving the ball very quickly, but we changed our game plan in the second half a little bit.

"We got much closer and played higher up the pitch, and dominated against a Championship club from start to finish.

"We didn't create that many chances, but really pinned them back and went for them, tried to chase the game, and get an equaliser to take the game into extra-time. I'm not sure 2-0 is a fair reflection of the actual game.

"Our boys gave everything for the club, and I patted everybody on the back when they came into the dressing room.

"Danny Kedwell was unlucky with a good chance in the second half.

"We showed great spirit and needed a bit more quaility, but when you are playing these sorts of teams, and chasing the ball like we did in the first half for 45 minutes it can be quite draining."

Gills midfielder Charlie Lee went off early wiith a knock, and Jack Payne suffered a finger injury late on.

Picture: Barry Goodwin