Nicky Southall missed a twice taken penalty that condemned Gillingham to defeat against 10-man Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Referee Phil Prosser pointed to the spot in the 48th minute when Mamady Sidibe was brought down by Mark Hudson who was promptly sent off.

Southall's first attempt was saved by Palace goalkeeper Cedric Berthelin. But after consulting one of his assistants, Mr Prosser orderd the kick to be re-taken.

This time Southall rattled the crossbar from the spot.

Palace made Gillingham pay for the miss two minutes later when Danny Butterfield beat on loan goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld with a searing drive from 25 yards.

Hirschfeld, signed on loan from Tottenham on Friday, was outstanding on his debut with exceptional first half saves from Palace top scorer Andy Johnson and skipper Neil Shipperley.

Attendance: 17,485.