The quality was the difference on Saturday, said stand-in boss Mark Patterson.

Two first-half goals were enough for Charlton to beat the Gills 2-0 at Priestfield.

It was a game that came less than 24 hours after the sacking of Gillingham manager Steve Lovell.

Patterson, in charge for the last two games of the season, said: “I think we gifted them two goals and they are a good team, there are no doubts about that.

“For long periods they were in control of the ball but the goals we conceded were defendable. Sometimes that happens and we didn’t really defend them properly. We need to learn how we can get better.

“Overall we worked hard and we tried and there was plenty of commitment and effort. Possibly the differences in the teams was the quality.

“They are in the top five and we are just below halfway, it is evident what we saw the quality players that they have got are certainly top of the table players, without a doubt and maybe even the next level.”

Report: Gillingham 0 Charlton 2

Gillingham had plenty of the ball, as Charlton protected their two-goal lead, but couldn’t do enough with it.

“We didn’t really test the keeper a lot,” Patterson admitted.

“We had a lot of good opportunities in good areas, we just didn’t quite have the final pass, final shot or final decision and again they defended well.

“They do their jobs well at the back, the Charlton boys and coupled with the goals at the other end and that is why they are towards the top of the table but it’s certainly no criticism of our commitment.

“We had a go and at times we played quite well in patches but we just couldn’t quite find that final ball that would open them up.”