Martin Allen was pleased to see his squad bounce back from their weekend showing against Millwall.

The Gills manager had asked for a positive response, in Tuesday night's game against Premier League Crystal Palace, and that’s what he got.

“I thought they were much sharper and much more tenacious,” said Allen.

“They (Palace) were very difficult to play against. They were intent on keeping possession, they created a few chances but both their goals were 20-25 yarders and the other one was perhaps an error of judgment.

“It is difficult to play against that when they are keeping the ball, keeping possession and we played quite deep. In the second half we played much higher and we kept the ball really well, which is a way of defending and stopping them getting at us and chances started opening up for us.

“Overall and most importantly our players were back on their game and we played some great football, especially in the second half, and it was a joy to watch. I was enjoying watching it.”

Despite the good second half showing the Gills still ended up conceding twice more, following the Palace’s first half opener.

Allen said: “They broke down the other end and their bloke hits a screamer in from 30 yards into the bottom corner with a one-touch finish, which isn’t easy to do.

“Importantly I thought we played really well, the crowd got behind the players. We came out fighting and I think we did that right the way through the team.

“Crystal Palace are at a level that we have to aspire to, what we have to work to, and we have to go towards. That’s the long term vision of where we want to be. That’s what we have learned.

“We work hard, we try hard and we train hard. We are always learning and taking on board ideas and new ways of playing. That’s the most important thing. We need to keep developing, keep improving and getting ourselves ready.”