IFFY ONUORA confessed that the entire Gillingham team had been left numbed by the heartbreak of Saturday's 2-1 stoppage time defeat at Portsmouth.

The rejuvenated striker, who scored his fourth goal of the season and starred throughout up front, revealed that the team were in a daze when they got back to the dressing room.

"We were all numb, " he said. "We couldn't believe we had lost because we played so well. We were strong at the back and looked comfortable under pressure. At half time we had been saying that a draw would be a bad result.

"We could have been two goals to the good at half time if my volley had gone in and not hit the bar.If Marlon's goal had counted then there is no way Portsmouth would have got back into the game. Only the referee and his assistant know why that was disallowed because it looked perfectly good from where I was - and I crossed the ball.

"We certainly didn't deserve to lose but these things happen and fair play to Portsmouth they came at us strong in the second half when I thought their supporters rallied them.

"Though we're gutted, we have the spirit to bounce back against Millwall on Tuesday. We're glad that we've got another game coming up so quickly."

Of Robert Prosinecki's performance for Portsmouth, Onuora added: "In all my career I've never been on the same field as a player of his world class pedigree and ability. It was almost a privilege. "But I was pleased the gaffer didn't change our shape to employ a man for man marker against him."

So disappointed was Gillingham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler and coach Richard Hill that they declined to attend the press conference as the team made a hasty exit.

But Portsmouth manager Graham Rix admitted: "Before the game I would have settled for a draw against Gillingham so I'm absolutely delighted that we beat them."

Charlton goalkeeper Sasa Ilic, signed on loan on Friday, added: "Gillingham are very strong and well organised. The scenes of jubilation in the dressing room at beating them are amazing."