Martin Allen felt Saturday's defeat to Colchester was harsh on his team.

The Gills boss had to make an early change, after losing Matt Fish to injury, and watched his side come close to winning the game themselves.

“I thought we did quite well,” he said. “We had some good chances to win and there was an obvious penalty opportunity for us early in the game.

“Fish going off after only four minutes hasn’t helped us but it was a good debut by Stephen Butcher, an 18-year-old, coming to play at right-back.

“We had a few good chances in the second half and as the game progressed they had a few also, so we have to take that one on the chin.

“The lads had a real go but it wasn’t to be. I’m not sure we deserved to lose.

“I thought they all played well. It was a big game and there was high expectation. Everyone was desperate for them to win.

“We had a few chances where we could have put them away. I don’t want to specify anyone for any good play or anyone for failing to do this, or losing the ball or any errors.

“We have to dust ourselves down, not get too disappointed and we need to help the players and bring them back.”

Allen named transfer-listed Charlie Lee in his team and was pleased with the midfielder’s input.

“He played really well last Friday in the game here and I enjoyed watching him play,” said Allen. “Everyone knows that if people do well in training and play well then we generally do pick them. He did well.”

Lee came off with a bruised foot. Fish had been struggling with his knee before the game and a scan on Monday will reveal the extent of his injury.

Charlie Allen missed out with an infection on a foot wound which happened while playing head tennis at the training ground.