Gills boss Justin Edinburgh refused to use the unexpected recall of defender Harry Lennon as an excuse for Saturday’s loss.

Lennon had only just extended his loan spell from Charlton but his parent club recalled him on Friday – just 24 hours before Gills’ top of the table clash at Coventry.

Cardiff loanee Deji Oshilaja stepped in to replace the departed defender.

“It was a disruption but we won’t make any excuses,” said Edinburgh.

“Deji Oshilaha was excellent for us before Harry came here. Obviously he isn’t up to match speed.

“It did cause us a problem but it’s not something that we will be using as an excuse.”

The Gills will be looking to put that defeat behind them when they take on Rochdale at Priestfield on Tuesday night.

Rochdale are 13th in League 1 and Saturday's 2-0 win at Doncaster ended a run of seven league games without a win.

Despite Gillingham's loss Edinburgh's men are still second in the table.