Gills boss Martin Allen was delighted with the performance of his team after making wholesale changes to his team.

Just three of the team which started last week’s game against AFC Wimbledon played a part in the 3-2 defeat at Burton.

And despite losing the game, Allen (pictured) was a pleased man.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t win but the players played fantastic,” he said.

“3-2, with six football league debuts out there, which was very special for our football club. We had 17 and 18-year-olds playing and you could see the spirit amongst the squad and all of the supporters and I suppose that spirit is what has taken us to the championship.

“I was absolutely chuffed to bits for all the young players.

“After winning the championship it can be difficult to get going again but our players got going and I thought they were fantastic.”

The Gills were followed by over 1,500 fans at Burton, for the team’s final league game before they embark on a challenge in League 1.

“The secret has been the spirit of all of our players, our staff and all of our supporters, they help each other, they support each other and that showed in abundance,” said Allen.

“We have gone down but we have gone down with a hell of a fight. We gave six football league debuts and we played with three at the back going for the win at the end and that’s the kind of commitment, passion and togetherness we have on and off the field, that’s the secret.”

Last season Allen took a Barnet team to Burton and got a win that secured the London club their Football League status.

On Saturday the whole Gills squad, including management and staff, were there to celebrate a completely different achievement.

“Last year it was a day of joy and this year is another day of joy,” said the Gills boss.

“I can take the score and I had total belief in all of those young players, total belief, I had no doubts in my mind that the young players could compete. Those future players did our shirt and did the club proud.”